Abstract

ABSTRACT: Between 15 and 30 million Americans have allergic rhinitis. Costs of diminished job and school performance extend beyond the financial burden of treatment, taking their toll in worker productivity and school absences. Therapeutic approaches include allergen avoidance, pharmaceuticals, and allergy immunotherapy. Among the pharmaceutical agents, decongestants, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antihistamines relieve allergic rhinitis symptoms. Often, decongestants are prescribed along with antihistamines to provide maximum relief. Anti-inflammatory agents such as cromolyn sodium and topical corticosteroids are efficacious despite their delayed effect. However, allergic rhinitis is most frequently treated with antihistamines. Today's antihistamines have minimal sedative effects and cholinergic actions, are safe to use, and do not impair performance.