Allergic Rhinitis: Mechanisms and Treatment

David I Bernstein; Gene Schwartz; Jonathan A Bernstein

doi:10.1016/j.iac.2015.12.004

Allergic Rhinitis: Mechanisms and Treatment

Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2016 May;36(2):261-78. doi: 10.1016/j.iac.2015.12.004. Epub 2016 Mar 10.

Authors

David I Bernstein¹, Gene Schwartz², Jonathan A Bernstein²

Affiliations

¹ Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA. Electronic address: bernstdd@ucmail.uc.edu.
² Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.

PMID: 27083101
DOI: 10.1016/j.iac.2015.12.004

Abstract

The prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) has been estimated at 10% to 40%, and its economic burden is substantial. AR patients develop specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody responses to indoor and outdoor environmental allergens with exposure over time. These specific IgE antibodies bind to high-affinity IgE receptors on mast cells and basophils. Key outcome measures of therapeutic interventions include rhinitis symptom control, rescue medication requirements, and quality-of-life measures. A comprehensive multiple modality treatment plan customized to the individual patient can optimize outcomes.

Keywords: Allergic rhinitis treatment; Intranasal antihistamines; Intranasal corticosteroids; Leukotrienes; Mechanisms; Subcutaneous immunotherapy; Treatment.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Humans
Immunotherapy / standards
Immunotherapy / trends
Rhinitis, Allergic* / drug therapy
Rhinitis, Allergic* / immunology
Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / therapy