Allergic rhinitis from the otorhinolaryngologist’s perspective

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis remains one of the most pressing problems of modern otorhinolaryngology. Allergic rhinitis is an allergic inflammation of the nasal mucosa characterised by the following symptoms (one or more): stuffiness, rhinorrhoea, nasal itching, sneezing. In recent years the incidence of allergic rhinitis in the economically developed countries has been shown to be close to 40–50%. Allergic rhinitis is now characterised by an early onset, often continuously relapsing course and resistance to antiallergic therapy. Allergic rhinitis has a negative impact on a person’s social and daily activities, mental well-being and general health, regardless of age. Allergic rhinitis significantly reduces job performance, physical and mental activity, communication skills, causes snoring, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders and erectile dysfunction. Studying the mechanisms of the disease provides the basis for a rational therapy that addresses the complex inflammatory response rather than just the symptoms of allergy. Treatment is either in outpatient settings or inpatient – in specialised departments. A recent priority of pharmacotherapy is the use of intranasal corticosteroids, both as basic therapy for allergic rhinitis and as part of a combined regimen. The use of intranasal corticosteroids is considered to be the therapy of choice in allergic rhinitis. The paper demonstrates the efficacy and safety of topical corticosteroids for use in clinical practice. Intranasal corticosteroids have a wide range of reported indications, an extensive evidence base and can be recommended for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. For best result intranasal corticosteroids should be used at first signs of allergic rhinitis onset.

Keywords

• allergic rhinitis
• allergens
• intranasal glucocorticosteroids
• antihistamines
• decongestants
• allergen-specific immunotherapy