Allergic Rhinitis: keys for the clinician

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma are the most common inflammatory diseases of the airways. According to the review of the literature, there is a prevalence of AR of 10-40% worldwide. AR is defined as a type I allergic disease caused by immunoglobulin E mediated inflammation. The symptoms include nasal congestion, watery rhinorrhea and sneezing. In most cases it is accompanied by ocular symptoms like ocular redness, tearing and itchy eyes. AR can have an influence on the quality of life in patients, for example: sleep disturbances, fatigue, irritability, depression, also affect the attention, learning and memory deficits. The classification of AR is seasonal AR, perennial AR, other classification is by duration of symptoms, like intermittent, persistent, also a severity classification, based on disturbances in quality life, proposed by the Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma (ARIA). The first steps in the diagnosis are the clinical history and physical examination of the patient. Also, the diagnosis can include laboratory tests like skin prick test and the determination of immunoglobulin E levels in serum. In the first line of the treatment there is the no pharmacologic changes in the patient’s life, emphasizing the avoidance of contact between the patient and the allergen, and the pharmacological treatment are the second-generation antihistamines, inhaled glucocorticoids and immunotherapy, also alternative treatments can be used like acupuncture, ginger extract and probiotic therapy. Allergic rhinitis represents a limitation in the daily activity of those affected, it affects their quality of life, interferes with their ability to sleep, as well as their life at work and school.