Consensus statement on the treatment of allergic rhinitis (European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology)

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common disease in many developed countries. Its prevalence is estimated at ≈10–20% of the general population Understanding the pathogenesis and mechanisms that lead to allergic nasal disease and, thus, to the symptomatology of allergic rhinitis provides a framework for a rational therapy in this disorder. Treatment has to focus primarily on the symptomatology of the patient, taking into account the time, duration and severity of the disease. In the position paper on the treatment of allergic rhinitis of the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology,1 guidelines to treat seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis are presented. Table 1 will help to make a rational choice. Table 1.  Guidelines for the treatment of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis   Oral antihistimine Nasal antihistimine Nasal steroids Nasal decongestant Ipratropic bromide Nasal DSCG DSCG, disodium cromoglycate. Rhinorrhoea ++ ++ +++ 0 ++ + Sneezing ++ ++ +++ 0 0 + Itching ++ ++ +++ 0 0 + Blockage + + +++ ++++ 0 + Eye symptoms ++ 0 ++ 0 0 0 Onset of action 1 h 15 min 12 h 5–15 min 15–30 min Variable Duration 12–24 h 6–12 h 12–48 h 3–6 h 4–12 h 2–6 h