'Allergy diary' phone app classifies phenotypes in rhinitis

(HealthDay)—The Allergy Diary phone app can identify phenotypic differences between rhinitis groups, according to a study published online Jan. 10 in Allergy.

Jean Bousquet, M.D., from the Contre les Maladies Chroniques pour un VIeillissement Actif en Languedoc-Roussillon in France, and colleagues conducted a pilot study to examine use of the Allergy Diary app. Based on baseline data that users entered into the app, the participants were classified as asymptomatic, nasal symptoms excluding rhinorrhea, rhinorrhea, rhinorrhea plus one to two nasal/ocular symptoms, rhinorrhea plus three or more nasal/ocular symptoms, and rhinorrhea plus all nasal/ocular symptoms.

The researchers found that 3,260 users had registered with the Allergy Diary by June 1, 2016, and 2,710 had completed the baseline questionnaire. Troublesome symptoms were primarily identified in users with the most symptoms. Work impairment occurred in around 50 percent of users with troublesome rhinitis and/or ocular symptoms.

"A simple questionnaire administered by cellphones enables the identification of phenotypic differences between a priori defined rhinitis groups," the authors write. "The results suggest novel concepts and research questions in allergic rhinitis that may not be identified using classical methods."

Several authors disclosed financial ties to the medical technology industry. The study was partially funded by Meda.