Management of allergic rhinitis

Early intervention with immunotherapy may alter the natural history of allergic rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis is a common condition of childhood and young adult life.

It is rare during infancy but is estimated to affect about one in 16 children aged 6-7 years, one in 10 children aged 13-14 years and about one in five adults.^1,2

Once established, symptoms generally persist for at least 10 years.^3,4

The typical symptoms of allergic rhinitis are readily recognised: an itchy nose with clear rhinorrhoea, sneezing and nasal congestion.

Some patients may also have a cough secondary to postnasal drip, a symptom that can be mistaken for asthma.

Although common, allergic rhinitis in children can cause significant impairment in concentration, behaviour, sleep, learning capacity and/or ability to play sports.

Complications include exacerbation of