Ragweed-induced allergic rhinoconjunctivitis: current and emerging treatment options

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Allergology
• Public Health

Background:

• Ragweed (Ambrosia spp.) pollen is a potent allergen causing widespread allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
• Its invasive spread, driven by climate change and global traffic, increases public health concerns in North America, Europe, and Asia.
• High exposure and sensitization rates necessitate a comprehensive review of treatment options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current and emerging treatment strategies for ragweed-induced allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
• To provide an updated overview due to the increasing global disease burden.
• To identify promising future therapeutic avenues.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of clinical evidence for ragweed-induced allergic rhinoconjunctivitis treatments.
• Analysis of symptomatic and causal therapies.
• Evaluation of emerging and future treatment options.

Main Results:

• Oral H1-antihistamines and leukotriene antagonists offer symptomatic relief.
• Topical glucocorticoids are effective, with combined approaches being common.
• Subcutaneous immunotherapy (targeting Amb a 1) and sublingual immunotherapy are established causal treatments.

Conclusions:

• Current treatments include symptomatic relief with antihistamines and leukotriene antagonists, and topical glucocorticoids.
• Immunotherapy, both subcutaneous and sublingual, remains a key causal treatment.
• Future therapies may involve novel antihistamines, immunomodulatory adjuvants, and targeted antibody treatments for improved efficacy and reduced side effects.