Chinese expert consensus on intranasal anticholinergics for allergic rhinitis.

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent inflammatory condition of the nasal mucosa, characterized by rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, sneezing, and itching. Among these symptoms, rhinorrhea and nasal congestion are the most common complaints of AR patients. By blocking acetylcholine binding with muscarinic (M) receptors, intranasal anticholinergics have been recommended by guidelines as an "add-on" or second-line therapy to control rhinorrhea in patients with AR. Bencycloquidium bromide is a highly selective M1/M3 receptor antagonist that can reduce excessive mucus secretion and suppress type 2 inflammation in AR, while also demonstrating efficacy in alleviating overall nasal symptoms. In this consensus, we systematically review the role of acetylcholine and M receptors in AR pathogenesis, the key findings from clinical trials on intranasal anticholinergics for AR management and the evidence-based recommendations from experts in Allergy and Rhinology, hoping to guide physicians in the standardized and precise use of intranasal anticholinergics for AR patients.