title: Role of bilastine in the management of allergic rhinitis and urticaria: an Asia-Pacific consensus statement.
abstract: The prevalence of allergic diseases is increasing globally, most particularly in middle- to low-income countries. This article examines the burden of allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria in the Asia-Pacific region, unmet clinical needs, and the potential role of bilastine in the management of these conditions. An International Advisory Group meeting was convened in association with the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology Annual Congress in November 2014, followed by a literature review, and consensus-based outcomes from the meeting and literature review are described. Regional estimates of the prevalence of allergic rhinitis range from 10% to 50%, while little is known regarding the burden of urticaria in the Asia-Pacific region. A survey of allergy patients in the region identified fast, complete, and long-lasting symptom relief as the medication attributes most important to patients. International treatment guidelines for allergic rhinitis and urticaria advocate the first-line use of second-generation, no-sedating H1-antihistamines, such as bilastine, over their first-generation counterparts and a range of these agents are available to Asia-Pacific patients. The newer agents possess many of the properties of an "ideal" antihistamine (once daily administration, rapid and complete symptom relief, limited potential for drug-drug interactions, minimal side effects). The burgeoning prevalence of allergic diseases in the Asia-Pacific region and the uncontrolled symptoms that these patients experience demand a new antihistamine that offers the highest number of positive features according to the international guidelines.
authors: Institute of Medical Statistics, Informatics and Epidemiology, University Hospital of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany.
authors: Ralph
authors: R
authors: Mösges
authors: Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat, United Christian Hospital and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
authors: Dennis Lip Yen
authors: DL
authors: Lee
authors: University of the Philippines College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, 1000 Manila, Philippines.
authors: Jovilia
authors: J
authors: Abong
authors: University of the Philippines College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, 1000 Manila, Philippines.
authors: Bella
authors: B
authors: Siasoco
authors: The KL Skin Centre, Pantai Hospital, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors: Steven Kw
authors: SK
authors: Chow
authors: Ascent Ear Nose Throat Specialist Group, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510, Singapore.
authors: Jern-Lin
authors: JL
authors: Leong
authors: Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun (Ipoh General Hospital), 30990 Ipoh, Malaysia.
authors: Harvinder
authors: H
authors: Singh
authors: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Prince Court Medical Centre, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Kuljit
authors: Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Santo Tomas, 1008 Manila, Philippines.
authors: Benjamin
authors: B
authors: Campomanes
keywords: Asia; Bilastine; Consensus; Histamine Antagonists; Rhinitis, Allergic; Urticaria