Pharmacological Management of Allergic Rhinitis
The goal of allergic rhinitis (AR) management is to achieve satisfactory symptom control to ensure good quality of life. Most patients with AR are currently treated with pharmacotherapy. Inadequate treatment leads to significant reduction of quality of life that affects daily activities at home, work, and school. This is a shortened version of the original article.
Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2023
Don’t Let Allergic Rhinitis Get the Better of Patients
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the nasal mucosa caused by IgE-mediated early- and late-phase hypersensitivity responses. Because of the non–life-threatening nature of symptoms, AR has, in the past, been considered a trivial disease but is increasingly recognised as having a major effect on quality of life (QoL), emotional well-being, sleep, daily activities and productivity when poorly controlled.
Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2022
Allergic Rhinitis: A Clinical and Pathophysiological Overview
Allergic rhinitis (AR) represents a global health concern where it affects approximately 400 million people worldwide. The prevalence of AR has increased over the years along with increased urbanisation and environmental pollutants thought to be some of the leading causes of the disease. Understanding the pathophysiology of AR is crucial in the development of novel therapies to treat this incurable disease that is often comorbid with other airway diseases. Hence in this mini review, we summarise the well-established yet vital aspects of AR. These include the epidemiology, clinical and laboratory diagnostic criteria, AR in paediatrics, pathophysiology of AR, Th2 responses in the disease, as well as pharmacological and immunomodulating therapies for AR patients.
Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2022
Medicine Combination Achieves Better Relief in Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic upper respiratory condition estimated to affect between 10 and 40% of the worldwide population. The mechanisms underlying AR are highly complex and involve multiple immune cells, mediators and cytokines. Combination nasal sprays containing antihistamines and corticosteroids have been shown to be more effective than either monotherapy for reducing symptom scores. This is a shortened version of the original open access article.
Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2021
In Vitro IgE Testing Helps to Diagnose Allergies
Allergic diseases are amongst the most prevalent diseases worldwide and the burden of these diseases continues to increase. An accurate diagnosis coupled with optimal therapy requires the use of appropriate tests to confirm the allergen sensitisation and detailed information about exposure to the putative allergen. Currently, testing for immunoglobulin E (IgE) sensitisation is the cornerstone of diagnostic evaluation in suspected allergic conditions.
Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2021
The Allergy Asthma Link Quality of Life Impacted
Allergy covers a wide spectrum of diseases, many of them being very frequent, such as allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, atopic dermatitis, urticaria and contact allergies. Even with their vast prevalence, relative severity and huge impact on quality of life, allergic diseases are invariably trivialised.
Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2021
Combination Nasal Spray Relieves Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms
For many patients with allergic rhinitis, nasal symptom control is inadequate, with almost half reporting somewhat or poor symptom control with pharmacologic treatment. Patients desire treatments that provide fast, long-lasting effectiveness that addresses the pathophysiologic mechanisms of both acute- and late-phase allergic reactions. A fixed-dose nasal spray combination of olopatadine hydrochloride (antihistamine) and mometasone furoate (corticosteroid) has been shown to be efficacious and welltolerated for treating seasonal allergic rhinitis-associated nasal and ocular symptoms.
Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2021
Towards Definitive Management of Allergic Rhinitis
Best use of new and established therapies
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa impacting almost 25% of Canadians and up to 38.5% of South Africans. The standard of care for AR includes a treatment plan that takes into account patient preferences, the severity of the disease, and most essentially involves a shared decision-making process between patient and provider. This is a shortened version of the original open access article.
Modern Medicine – Issue 3 2021
Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: Managing a Growing Problem
Seasonal allergic rhinitis is on the increase due to climate change and pollution, and has a significant impact on public health. Allergenic pollens are usually from plants that are windborne pollinators, and release allergens on contact or in humid conditions. Treatment is primarily through avoidance and education, as well as pharmacotherapy and immunotherapy where appropriate.
Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2020
Levocetirizine: A Potent Antihistamine with Anti-inflammatory Properties
Levocetirizine is a second generation antihistamine with minimal adverse effects, and its effectiveness in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and children has already been demonstrated by a number of well-conducted randomised clinical trials.
Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2020
