Korean J Med.  2013 Nov;85(5):463-468.

Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis

• Hur GY

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is defined as chronic inflammatory reactions to common allergens in the nasal mucosa with at least two AR symptoms including rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, sneezing, nasal/ocular pruritus, and postnasal drainage. AR is a common health problem, and it affects around 10-25% of general population. Its prevalence is increasing according to the environmental changes. AR and asthma frequently coexist in the same patient, therefore we should consider it and check for asthma to diagnose AR. Antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids are recommended as the 1st line treatment of AR. Decongestants may be effective for nasal congestion, and leukotrienes are helpful to improve both nasal and bronchial inflammations in patients with AR and asthma. Allergen specific immunotherapy is useful in IgE mediated AR and can prevent the progression to asthma and new sensitizations. Appropriate AR treatment including medications and immunotherapy can improve symptoms and reduce medications. Finally improvement of quality of life can be achieved.

Keyword

Allergic rhinitis; Treatment; Asthma

MeSH Terms

Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Allergens
Asthma
Drainage
Estrogens, Conjugated (USP)
Histamine Antagonists
Humans
Immunoglobulin E
Immunotherapy
Inflammation
Leukotrienes
Nasal Decongestants
Nasal Mucosa
Prevalence
Pruritus
Quality of Life
Rhinitis*
Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial
Sneezing
Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Allergens
Estrogens, Conjugated (USP)
Histamine Antagonists
Immunoglobulin E
Leukotrienes
Nasal Decongestants