Managing rhinitis: Strategies for improved patient outcomes.
Allergic rhinitis affects more than 40 million Americans, with estimated costs reaching $5.3 billion annually. The global impact includes negative effects on quality of life (QOL), sleep, diminished work productivity, and exacerbation of comorbid conditions. An accurate diagnosis of allergic or nonallergic rhinitis is needed before selecting optimal treatment, which can include antihistamines, decongestants, intranasal corticosteroids, immunotherapy, and anticholinergics. It is also important to understand that pharmacologic properties of these different interventions may affect patient satisfaction, compliance, and overall clinical response. This article reviews currently available therapies for allergic rhinitis with a focus on improving patient outcomes.
Carr
Warner W
WW
Allergy and Asthma Associates of Southern California, Mission Viejo, California 92691, USA. warnercarr@hotmail.com
Nelson
Michael R
MR
Hadley
James A
JA
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002867:Chromones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015897:Comorbidity; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006633:Histamine Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014663:Nasal Decongestants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists; D002867:Chromones; D006633:Histamine Antagonists; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists; D014663:Nasal Decongestants