Approach to Patients with Allergic Rhinitis: Testing and Treatment

Abstract

This article evaluates the role of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR). AIT has been shown to be effective in treating AR symptoms with resultant improvements in overall quality of life, comorbid illnesses, and medication requirements. Persistent clinical benefits have been shown years after AIT treatment discontinuation. AIT may prevent the progression of AR to asthma. AIT may more cost-effective than pharmacotherapy. Multiple individual studies and systematic reviews provide strong evidence for the clinical effectiveness of AIT in the treatment of AR. Cost-effectiveness and disease modification of AIT compared with standard drug treatment are additional advantages.

Keywords: Allergen immunotherapy; Allergic rhinitis; Antihistamines; Nasal corticosteroids; Pharmacoeconomics; Standard drug treatment; Subcutaneous immunotherapy; Sublingual immunotherapy.