Pediatria pre prax 3/2010

Current treatment of allergic rhinitis

The prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) in children has been estimated to be approximately 40 %, almost half of them becoming symptomatic by age 6 years. Incidence of allergic rhinitis is increasing and the disease is commonly overlooked because it is often mistaken for recurrent upper respiratory infections. The majority of individuals with AR can be succesfully treated with antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids and allergen immunotherapy. The treatment of AR improves the quality of life and potentially reduce the development of asthma and other complications.

Keywords: allergic rhinitis, allergen, antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, allergen immunotherapy.