[Perennial rhinitis: antihistaminic and anti-inflammatory treatment]

The use of various medications in chronic rhinitis in children is discussed. Evastin has been shown to eliminate histamine papules in 93% of cases and those caused by D. pteronyssinus in 68% of cases. After 10 days of treatment, conjunctival response decreased or disappeared in 80% of cases and nasal response decreased in 69%. Clinically, evastin was effective in 14 of 22 children and produced moderate effects in 2 and no effect in 6. There were no dropouts because of problems of tolerance. In a preliminary study of intranasal azelastin in 21 children with chronic allergic rhinitis, clinical improvement was significant. Various multicenter trials are reported, focusing on those using fluid budesonide. Both medications were effective in reducing symptoms and the antihistamine effect usually was earlier. There were no differences between medications as evaluated by nasal challenge or tolerance. Finally, budesonide was used in 13 patients for 4 months. Nasal obstruction and secretion improved, and rhinomanometry results improved significantly.