Evidence-based strategies for treatment of allergic rhinitis

Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2004 Nov;4(6):439-46. doi: 10.1007/s11882-004-0009-1.

Abstract

In this review, an evidence-based medicine approach to diagnosis and treatment for allergic rhinitis is reviewed. We performed a search of the medical literature for randomized, placebo-controlled trials of nonsedating antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, montelukast, azelastine, allergen immunotherapy, and anti-IgE. The mean numbers needed to treat were: nonsedating antihistamines--15.2; nasal corticosteroids--4.4; montelukast--14.3; azelastine--5.0; allergen immunotherapy--4.6; and anti-IgE--12.4. Treatment thresholds for use were: antihistamines--23%; nasal corticosteroids--8%; azelastine--16%; montelukast--8%; anti-IgE--50%; and immunotherapy--25%. When used appropriately, this information could become very useful for clinicians, particularly if cost, convenience, and other indirect factors can be included.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine*
  • Histamine H1 Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / diagnosis
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / drug therapy*
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / prevention & control
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / diagnosis
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / drug therapy*
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / prevention & control

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Histamine H1 Antagonists