The need for patient-focused therapy for children and teenagers with allergic rhinitis: a case-based review of current European practice

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis is a common problem in childhood and adolescence, with a negative impact on the quality of life of patients and their families. The treatment modalities for allergic rhinitis include allergen avoidance, anti-inflammatory symptomatic treatment and allergen specific immunotherapy. In this review, four cases of children with allergic rhinitis are presented to illustrate how the recently published EAACI Guidelines on Pediatric Allergic Rhinitis can be implemented in clinical practice.

Keywords: Allergy; Guidelines; Immunotherapy; Pediatric rhinitis; Rhinitis.

Figure 1

Treatment of allergic rhinitis (7). The entry points into therapeutic approach depend on the severity of the rhinitis symptoms. Therapy can be step up or step down depending on control obtained in response to the treatment. If less than 2 years of age and do not respond to antihistamine within a week, the diagnosis should be reconsidered before stepping up therapy. *Oral antihistamines may be better tolerated, whilst intranasal antihistamines have a more rapid onset of action. **Reconsider diagnosis if not controlled within 1-2 weeks.

Figure 2

The use of an appropriate technique for (a) application of nasal spray and (b) installation of nasal drops (8) is key for the success of the treatment.