Medicus, Vol. 20 No. 2_Alergije, 2011.
Review article
Allergic Rhinitis
Željka Roje
; KBC Split
Mirnes Selimović
; Ustanova za hitnu medicinsku pomoć Split
Lada Omero
; KBC Split
Abstract
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a global health problem and one of the main reasons for visiting a family medicine physician. The effects of rhinitis symptoms on the quality of life define this disease as a public-health problem. All AR aspects are defined in ARIA guidelines (Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma - ARIA). AR is a symptomatic disorder of the nose induced by an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated inflammation following allergen exposure. Symptoms include rhinorrhea, nasal itching and sneezing, and nasal obstruction. In 40-70% of patients ocular symptoms (eye redness and itching, increased lacrimation) can occur as well. Diagnosis is not hard to establish on the basis of a patient’s medical history, especially if symptoms occur seasonally. It can be confirmed by skin-prick test. Other diagnostic procedures are suggested only in individual cases. In more than 90% of patients a good disease control can be achieved by an appropriate therapy choice. According to ARIA guidelines, treatment depends on the type and severity of R, and it is conducted on four levels: patient education, allergen avoidance, pharmacotherapy and immunotherapy. The results of alternative therapies are still controversial.
Keywords
allergic rhinitis; corticosteroids; antihistamines; complementary therapy
Hrčak ID:
81088
URI
Publication date:
19.12.2011.
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