Allergic rhinitis and its management: a review article

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common disease worldwide affecting nearly 10%-20% of the population, a severe form of AR could have a significant impact on the quality of life, sleep, and work performance which places a marked financial and logistical burden on healthcare systems. Regardless of these harmful outcomes, the disease has been generally overlooked, with physicians and researchers only recently starting to pay more attention to it. A complete medical history and physical examination are the cornerstone for diagnosing AR. Allergy testing is considered to be an important part to confirm the underlying cause of AR. Referral to an allergist should be considered when the diagnosis of AR is in doubt. The current treatment modalities for AR include the following: patient education, strategies to prevent irritants and allergens, medication, allergen immunotherapy, nasal irrigates, and other uncommon treatments like surgery and acupuncture. Currently, pharmacotherapy comprises short-term nasal decongestants, antihistamines, leukotriene receptor antagonists, nasal/oral corticosteroids, and mast cell stabilizers. Patients with the disease usually do not realize the impact of the disease on their quality of life and daily living activities. Therefore, health workers must pay more attention to the early development of the illness to be diagnosed correctly and treated efficiently. This study reviews AR and its management.