Journal Article

Allergic Rhinitis

Wheatley, Lisa M, Togias, Alkis

2015

Overview

Allergic rhinitis is common and is often associated with asthma. Treatment includes intranasal glucocorticoids, oral and nasal antihistamines, leukotriene-receptor antagonists, and, when pharmacotherapy is not effective or produces unacceptable side effects, allergen immunotherapy. Foreword This Journal feature begins with a case vignette highlighting a common clinical problem. Evidence supporting various strategies is then presented, followed by a review of formal guidelines, when they exist. The article ends with the authors' clinical recommendations. Stage A 35-year-old woman has a history of nasal congestion on most days of the year, dating back to her late teens. She has chronic nasal drainage, which is clear and thick. Her congestion is worst in the late summer and early fall and again in the early spring; at these times, she also has sneezing, nasal itching, and cough. Five years ago, she had an episode of shortness of breath with wheezing on a day when her nasal symptoms were severe, but this episode resolved spontaneously and has not recurred. Her eyes do not bother her. Over-the-counter oral antihistamines . . .

• Publisher: Massachusetts Medical Society
• Subject: Allergens / Allergic diseases / Allergic rhinitis / Allergies / Antihistamines / Asthma / Children / Children & youth / Cold remedies / Glucocorticoids / Histamine / Hypersensitivity / Immunology / Immunotherapy / Inflammation / Nose / Oral administration / Patients / Quality of life / Tablets