International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Allergic Rhinitis

Area of Science:

• Allergy and Immunology
• Otorhinolaryngology
• Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

• The quality of allergic rhinitis (AR) literature requires critical evaluation for improved clinical application.
• The International Consensus statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Allergic Rhinitis (ICAR:AR) was developed by multidisciplinary experts to assess existing AR research.
• This initiative aims to enhance the understanding and clinical management of AR patients.

Framework:

• A systematic methodology was employed to develop AR-specific topics.
• Topics were categorized into literature reviews, evidence-based reviews (EBR), or evidence-based reviews with recommendations (EBRR) based on evidence availability.
• The ICAR:AR document underwent iterative reviews and author consensus for synthesis.

Implementation:

• The ICAR:AR document encompasses over 100 topics concerning allergic rhinitis.
• Key areas addressed include diagnosis, pathophysiology, epidemiology, disease burden, risk factors, allergy testing, and treatment.
• Associated conditions and comorbidities of AR are also comprehensively covered.

Implications:

• The review identifies strengths in AR literature, supporting current treatment decisions with rigorous studies.
• Significant gaps in the AR literature were uncovered, indicating areas for research improvement.
• This critical assessment aims to guide future AR research and enhance clinical practice by addressing evidence-based knowledge gaps.