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Published:
Oct 12, 2020Keywords:
Allergic rhinitis; acute exacerbations; triggers; allergens; topical decongestants; intranasal steroids.
Article Details
Issue
Section
Opinion (Open Forum)
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Main Article Content
Acute allergic rhinitis
Robin J. Green
Andre van Niekerk
Marinda McDonald
Raymond Friedman
Charles Feldman
Guy Richards
Fatima Mustafa
Abstract
Allergic rhinitis is a common and troubling condition. Basic management of this condition has been well described. However, acute exacerbations of the chronic condition allergic rhinitis are a seldom discussed or described problem despite the fact that even well-controlled patients frequently have exacerbations. This consideration means that a new approach is necessary to define the management of these patients. There are three important events that illustrate the need for a new therapeutic approach:
- A person who gets a new diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, but has symptoms for many months or years
- A sufferer of allergic rhinitis who is exposed to an environment that triggers an exacerbation
- A person who has an exacerbation related to another trigger.
Recognition of triggers and management strategies to correctly use ‘relief’ therapies such as topical nasal decongestants is the key to successful management. In addition, the use of an ‘action plan’, as for asthma, is useful.
