title: New developments in the treatment of pediatric allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis.
abstract: The primary care physician is the first line of treatment for allergic rhinitis, which affects approximately one-fourth of children in the United States. There is an increasing trend toward self-management by patients or parents due to high-deductible insurance plans and the over-the-counter availability of allergy medications. The primary care physician can offer guidance on appropriate selection of medications and potential adverse effects. Vitamin D deficiency has been proposed as a potential contributing factor in patients with allergic diseases, and studies are underway to determine whether supplementation with vitamin D is helpful for these conditions. Sublingual immunotherapy has recently received US Food and Drug Administration approval for grass and ragweed allergens; many children will be interested in this alternative to allergy shots. The relative advantages and disadvantages of sublingual vs subcutaneous immunotherapy are discussed.
authors.forename: Michelle B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Lierl
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D003231:Conjunctivitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000639:trends; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors; D063729:Sublingual Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000150:complications*
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D014807:Vitamin D