Author response

Abstract

We agree with Dr Bernstein that observations made in the review by Benninger et al 1 Benninger M. Farrar J.R. Blaiss M. et al. Evaluating approved medications to treat allergic rhinitis in the United States: an evidence-based review of efficacy for nasal symptoms by class. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2010; 104: 13-29 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (96) Google Scholar regarding the data reported on oral antihistamines (OAHs) for perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) may differ from what is seen in real-world clinical practice. However, the statement by Dr Bernstein that OAHs “are equivalent to intranasal antihistamines (IAHs) and . . . more efficacious than intranasal corticosteroids (INSs) in perennial allergic rhinitis” is not our conclusion and is not in the review. The correct statement based on our observations from the data available was “. . . for PAR, our results (using TNSS only) suggest that OAH may be similarly effective (as INS) for some patients . . . .” 1 Benninger M. Farrar J.R. Blaiss M. et al. Evaluating approved medications to treat allergic rhinitis in the United States: an evidence-based review of efficacy for nasal symptoms by class. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2010; 104: 13-29 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (96) Google Scholar Furthermore, we noted in the “Results” section that these observations are based on a limited number of studies in adult patients: 4 each for OAHs (n = 737) and INSs (n = 600) and no IAH studies. The limited availability of appropriate data for analysis severely restricted any interpretation of the results, and, as such, we simply reported the observations and made recommendations for future studies. Evaluating approved medications to treat allergic rhinitis in the United States: an evidence-based review of efficacy for nasal symptoms by classAnnals of Allergy, Asthma & ImmunologyVol. 104Issue 1PreviewTo evaluate how well the medications currently approved in the United States for allergic rhinitis (AR) treat nasal symptoms when examined according to Food and Drug Administration–indicated uses and dosages. Full-Text PDF Evaluating the effectiveness of medications in the treatment of allergic rhinitisAnnals of Allergy, Asthma & ImmunologyVol. 105Issue 2PreviewThe recent review by Benninger et al1 evaluating the effectiveness of medications in the treatment of allergic rhinitis was no doubt a very large undertaking that provides some useful information regarding treatment response to rhinitis medications, which has recently been recognized as an important phenotypic marker for defining chronic rhinitis subtypes. Surprisingly, the results of this review state that oral antihistamines (OAHs) are equivalent to intranasal antihistamines (IAHs) and that OAHs are more efficacious than intranasal corticosteroids (INSs) in perennial allergic rhinitis. Full-Text PDF