[The symptomatic therapy of allergic rhinitis]

Area of Science:

• Allergy and Immunology
• Pharmacology

Context:

• Allergic rhinitis presents a significant health burden, necessitating diverse therapeutic strategies.
• Current treatments include decongestants, mast cell stabilizers, and corticosteroids, each with distinct mechanisms and limitations.

Purpose:

• To review and compare available drug classes for symptomatic treatment of allergic rhinitis.
• To highlight the efficacy and side effect profiles of various therapeutic options.

Summary:

• Decongestants (sympathomimetics) risk rhinopathia medicamentosa with prolonged use.
• Mast cell stabilizers (sodium cromoglycate, nedocromil) offer prophylactic benefits but require frequent application and are less effective for severe symptoms.
• Topical glucocorticosteroid aerosols are highly effective for allergic rhinitis, providing significant symptom reduction with minimal systemic side effects due to the 'first pass' effect.

Impact:

• Topical corticosteroids represent a major advancement in allergic rhinitis treatment, balancing efficacy with a favorable safety profile.
• Understanding the limitations and benefits of each drug class optimizes patient care and treatment selection for allergic rhinitis.