Latest developments in the management of allergic rhinitis

Author: Sanico, Alvin

Source: Clinical Reviews in Allergy and Immunology, Volume 27, Number 3, October 2004 , pp. 181-189(9)

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Abstract:

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most common chronic atopic disease, and it is associated with considerable costs and comorbidities. The management of AR includes environmental control measures, pharmacotherapy, and immunotherapy. This article discusses several developments and findings that have recently emerged in these three areas. The effectiveness of traditional methods of mitigating allergen exposure, such as the use of impermeable dust mite-proof bedding covers, has been rendered debatable. Exposure to environmental factors, such as household pets, is known to provoke exacerbation of allergic disease but now is proposed to have protective effects in certain settings. Changes in the choices of pharmacotherapy continue to occur as antileukotrienes and derivatives of certain antihistamines are added to the armamentarium against AR. However, a critical review of the clinical trials involving these drugs suggests that the changes are not necessarily incremental. Innovative methods of immunomodulation are currently being developed, with the objective of optimizing efficacy and safety. These include alternative routes or forms of delivering immunotherapy and other novel approaches in altering the pathobiology of AR.

Keywords: Allergic rhinitis; antihistamines; antileukotrienes; glucocorticoids; immunotherapy

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1385/CRIAI:27:3:181

Affiliations: 1: Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center, Baltimore, MD, Email: amsanico@jhmi.edu

Publication date: 2004-10-01