Allergic rhinitis.

Abstract

There have been no major changes in the pharmacological treatment of allergic rhinitis in recent years. Treatment is symptomatic and tailored individually, taking into account the type and severity of symptoms. Few new products have entered the market, and treatment is still largely based on antihistamines and nasally administered glucocorticoids. However, the general strategies for treating allergic rhinitis have developed over the last decade due to the introduction of the Finnish National Allergy Program. The treatment should aim at improving tolerance. Avoiding allergens is not necessary but it may help in controlling the symptoms. Hyposensitization, the only disease-modifying therapy, is a recommended, effective and safe form of treatment. New, practical sublingual hyposensitization products have facilitated treatment implementation and moved it from outpatient clinics into homes, which is a more patient-oriented approach and also cost-effective in the long term. However, the unit costs of treatment are relatively high for the patients.