Allergic rhinitis: a growing primary care challenge.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the growing problem of allergic rhinitis (AR) and the latest recommendations on its diagnosis and management for the nurse practitioner (NP) in primary care settings.


METHODS
Recent clinical research, review articles and consensus guidelines, and the author's clinical experience.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of AR is increasing, possibly due to increased airborne pollutants, poor ventilation, and rising levels of indoor allergens. Allergic disease is systemic and rarely involves a single symptom. Treatments include reducing exposure to allergens as well as pharmacotherapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Patient education is crucial for successful management and includes understanding the allergic basis of symptoms, reducing allergen exposure, understanding proper use of medications, and reassessing the plan on a regular basis.
Hayden
M L
ML
Virginia Adult and Pediatric Allergy and Asthma Center, University of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia, USA. mlhayden@vaallergy.com
D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D015995:Prevalence; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011788:Quality of Life; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology
D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists