Combination therapy in the treatment of allergic rhinitis

Allergy Asthma Proc. 2002 Jan-Feb;23(1):1-3.

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis is a common allergic condition. There are a variety of pharmacologic treatments, including antihistamines, oral decongestants, and intranasal corticosteroids. Leukotrienes cause significant nasal obstruction. Leukotriene receptor antagonists decrease symptoms and improve quality of life in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Similar to antihistamines, antileukotrienes appear to be less efficacious than nasal corticosteroids. Combination therapy of histamine and leukotriene antagonists produces symptomatic improvement as well as improved quality of life. Areas of study for combination antimediator therapy include expanding the initial findings with regard to nasal steroids, investigation of patient preference and compliance, use in perennial allergic rhinitis, and treatment of "one airway," i.e., treatment of concurrent allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / administration & dosage*
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Drug Therapy, Combination*
  • Histamine H1 Antagonists / administration & dosage*
  • Histamine H1 Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Leukotriene Antagonists / administration & dosage*
  • Leukotriene Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Nasal Decongestants / administration & dosage*
  • Nasal Decongestants / therapeutic use
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Histamine H1 Antagonists
  • Leukotriene Antagonists
  • Nasal Decongestants