Cost-effective pharmacotherapy for inhalant allergic rhinitis.
The otolaryngologist is one of the decision leaders for patients who seek to learn more about their problems of respiratory allergy. Although these patients do not have a life-threatening illness, the reduction of quality of life and performance can significantly restrict their overall sense of well being. Patients with allergic rhinitis desire the relief of the bothersome problems without other side effects. Second-generation antihistamines were introduced to reduce the significant impairment brought on by the sedation of the first-generation products. Most physicians prescribe the intranasal corticosteroids as the prescription drug of first choice for most patients with chronic allergic rhinitis. Second-generation H1 receptor antagonists are better for the patient than the first-generation drugs because of the reduced side-effect profile and improved tolerance. Compliance factors certainly need to be addressed with medications that need more than once-daily dosing. Patients with only sporadic problems in season or on limited exposure are best treated with oral antihistamines, topical cromolyn, and short-term decongestant therapy.
Hadley
James A
JA
Division of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14618, USA. enthadley@aol.com
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014663:Nasal Decongestants / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics*
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists; D014663:Nasal Decongestants; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium