title: Antihistamines: treatment selection criteria for pediatric seasonal allergic rhinitis.
abstract: Given the absolute numbers of children suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) and the fact that this number is rising, there is an unquestionable need for safe and effective treatments for the disease. The limited seriousness of the symptoms of SAR belies their true impact: the disease can have a profound effect on children's quality of life and impair learning performance. Furthermore, SAR has been linked to a number of comorbid conditions and forms part of the "allergic march" to more serious diseases such as asthma. Antihistamines are administered to relieve the symptoms of SAR, but they do not represent a homogeneous group. For example, older-generation antihistamines are associated with side effects such as impaired psychomotor performance. Newer-generation antihistamines must be evaluated individually based on their proven efficacy and safety so as to tailor treatment to each child's needs. Effective and safe treatment of SAR, with an antihistamine that does not cause sedation, should improve children's quality of life and could prevent the development of more serious conditions, thus reducing morbidity and possible future health care expenditure.
authors.affiliation: Allergy and Asthma Care, Wolf River Boulevard, Suite 200, Germantown, TN 38138, USA.
authors.forename: Michael S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Blaiss
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000379:methods*; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists