European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

THE TREATMENT OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS: CURRENT VIEW

Clement C. Nwawolo*

ABSTRACT

Allergic rhinitis has become a global health problem affecting about 500million of the world population of which 20% of these are estimated to be in developing countries. This figure underestimates the true prevalence of allergic rhinitis primarily due to under-diagnosis, misdiagnosis, and patients’ not seeking medical attention. Allergic rhinitis though not a fatal disease, significantly affects quality of life and is associated with comorbid conditions with a strong link with asthma. The primary goal of allergic rhinitis treatment is to treat current symptoms and to prevent comorbidities without interfering with the patient's ability to function on a daily basis. Treatment of allergic rhinitis should begin with proper avoidance measures when allergic triggers have been identified through skin prick testing or radioallergosorbent test. Pharmacologic management includes first and second generation antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, leukotriene receptor antagonists, mast cell stabilizers, and decongestants. Allergen specific immunotherapy remains the only disease modifying treatment available for AR treatment at present.

Keywords: Allergic rhinitis, Treatment of Allergic rhinitis. Sub Saharan Africa.