Abstract
The paradigm of how we manage allergic rhinitis is shifting with a growing understanding that it is a complex process, requiring a coordinated effort from healthcare providers and patients. Pharmacists are key members of these integrated care pathways resolving medication-related problems, optimizing regimens, improving adherence and recommending therapies while establishing liaisons between patients and physicians. Community pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare professionals to the public and allergic rhinitis is one of the most common diseases managed by pharmacists. Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines developed over the past 20 years have improved the care of allergic rhinitis patients through an evidence-based, integrated care approach. In this paper, we propose an integrated approach to allergic rhinitis management in community pharmacy following the 2019 ARIA in the pharmacy guidelines.
Highlights
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most common form of noninfectious rhinitis and is one of the most common chronic diseases globally [1,2,3,4]
For patients with simultaneous asthma and rhinitis, a previous study conducted in community pharmacies showed that a simple self-assessment questionnaire, the Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test (CARAT) [54], can help the pharmacist to identify patients with uncontrolled AR and
For patients with simultaneous asthma and rhinitis, a previous study conducted in community pharmacies showed that a simple self-assessment questionnaire, the Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test (CARAT) [54], can help the pharmacist to identify patients with uncontrolled AR and asthma, which is the first step in improving symptom control [55]
Summary
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most common form of noninfectious rhinitis and is one of the most common chronic diseases globally [1,2,3,4]. Adherence to prescribed treatment in AR is low [15,16] These considerations highlight the importance of effective, evidence-based advice and support being provided to AR patients at the community pharmacy level. Specific guidelines for community pharmacies were first issued in 2004 [21] and have recently been updated to encompass integrated care pathways and digital solutions [22]. AR is a complex chronic condition, and implementing clinical practice guidelines for AR management in the community pharmacy is important, as most patients do not consult a medical practitioner when selecting medication for their AR [5,20,34]. The pharmacist’s role must, encompass a broad range of management issues including confirmation of the presence of AR, treatment selection, patient self-management, long-term monitoring and patient support
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