Japanese guidelines for allergic rhinitis 2017.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Otolaryngology
• Public Health

Background:

• Allergic rhinitis, including pollinosis, is a prevalent allergic condition significantly affecting patients' quality of life (QOL).
• Existing guidelines require updates to integrate current evidence-based medicine (EBM) and broaden clinical applicability.
• The Japanese Society of Allergology has a history of guideline development since 1993, with the 8th edition published in 2016.

Purpose of the Study:

• To revise and update the Practical Guideline for the Management of Allergic Rhinitis in Japan.
• To incorporate the latest EBM and expand clinical applications for diagnosis and treatment.
• To provide comprehensive information including QOL, cost-benefit analyses, and specific patient populations.

Main Methods:

• Supplementation of the 2016 guideline with recent evidence and literature.
• Inclusion of assessment criteria for diagnosis and treatment strategies.
• Consideration of specific populations: children, pregnant women, and patients with comorbidities.

Main Results:

• The revised guideline offers an evidence-based, step-by-step treatment strategy.
• It addresses diagnosis, treatment, and prescriptions for children and pregnant women.
• The guideline incorporates QOL concepts and cost-benefit analyses.

Conclusions:

• The updated guideline provides a comprehensive resource for managing allergic rhinitis in Japan.
• It supports broad clinical applications, including for sinusitis, childhood allergic rhinitis, and oral allergy syndrome.
• A new Q&A section enhances its utility for healthcare professionals and patients.