Clinical Question: Nasal saline or intranasal corticosteroids to treat allergic rhinitis in children.
OBJECTIVE
In pediatric populations, is nasal saline irrigation as effective as intranasal corticosteroids at relieving allergic rhinitis symptoms?


CONCLUSIONS
No. Intranasal steroids are more effective than nasal saline alone to reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR) in children. Combination therapy further improves symptom reduction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE FOR THE ANSWER: B SEARCH TERMS: Allergic Rhinitis, Nasal Saline, Nasal corticosteroids, children younger than age 18. DATE SEARCH WAS CONDUCTED: August and September 2014, October 2015.


METHODS
Meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, cohort studies, nasal spray, hypertonic saline solution, nasal lavage, rhinitis, intranasal administration, nasal saline, human, English language.


METHODS
Antihistamines, Adults, Articles older than 2008.
Stefani
S
Madison
Elizabeth Aubrey
EA
Brown
Rachel
R
Franklin
Elizabeth A
EA
Wickersham
Laine H
LH
McCarthy
D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002648:Child; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D055556:Nasal Lavage / Q000379:methods*; D065631:Rhinitis, Allergic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D012965:Sodium Chloride