Management of allergic rhinitis

Abstract

We agree with The Lancet that the prevalence of allergic rhinitis has been increasing and that there is a need for more allergy specialists to manage those patients (June 21, p 2057).1The LancetAllergic rhinitis: common, costly, and neglected.Lancet. 2008; 371: 2057Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (22) Google Scholar Given the current shortage, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) recommend better training of primary-care providers to manage milder forms of allergic disorders and to work closely with allergy specialists. However, your Editorial also states that pharmacists should “fill the cavernous hole of allergy knowledge, treatment, and management.” We strongly disagree with this statement. As you mention, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis is increasing. This presents serious cost and quality-of-life issues. Unless a proper diagnosis is made and appropriate environmental control measures are incorporated into a comprehensive management programme, patients are unlikely to achieve optimum control. A task force of the AAAAI and the ACAAI has just released an updated practice parameter on allergic rhinitis,2Wallace DV Dykewicz MS Bernstein DI et al.The diagnosis and management of rhinitis: an updated practice parameter.J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2008; 122: S1-S84Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (838) Google Scholar keeping specialists current with the latest research to provide the most effective care for those with the disease. Pharmacists remain an important component of the health-care system, but they should not be encouraged to take on a provider role. Allergy specialists working with primary-care providers remains the best option for provision of optimum care. We declare that we have no conflict of interest.