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Vol. 26 - Num. 102

Airways Network Group

The Primary Care Pediatrician and Allergic Rhinitis

Alberto Bercedo Sanza, María Teresa Guerra Pérezb, M.ª Teresa Callén Blecuac, Grupo de Vías Respiratorias (GVR)d

aPediatra. CS Los Castros. Santander. Cantabria. España
bPediatra. CS Jerez Sur. Jerez de la Frontera. Sevilla. España
cPediatra. San Sebastián. Guipúzcoa. España
dAsociación Española de Pediatría de Atención Primaria (AEPap).

Correspondence: A Bercedo. E-mail: drbercedo@gmail.com

Reference of this article: Bercedo Sanz A, Guerra Pérez MT, Callén Blecua MT, Grupo de Vías Respiratorias (GVR). The Primary Care Pediatrician and Allergic Rhinitis . Rev Pediatr Aten Primaria. 2024;26:193-7. https://doi.org/10.60147/5a20abd7

Published in Internet: 24-06-2024 - Visits: 5205

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa after exposure to an allergen in previously sensitized people. Characteristic symptoms include nasal itching, rhinorrhea, sneezing and nasal congestion, which may be accompanied by otic, pharyngeal and ocular symptoms (allergic rhinoconjunctivitis). AR has a great impact on quality of life and is considered undertreated and underdiagnosed. Dust mites and grass pollens are the most important allergens. The diagnosis is made through a detailed medical history that includes exposure to environmental triggers and the child's environment at the family, school, leisure and pet levels. It is advisable to perform an allergy study to identify allergic triggers, especially in case of persistent rhinitis. Treatment is based on the identification and elimination of specific allergens, when possible, and the use of stepwise medications that reduce symptoms. Nasal corticosteroids (NC) are part of the first line of treatment, their use being unavoidable in moderate-severe AR. When there is no adequate response to the initial treatment, combining antihistamine (AH) is indicated. Intranasal AH are more effective in improving nasal congestion than oral AH and have a faster onset of action than oral AH and NC, and are part of the first line of treatment in seasonal AR and intermittent AR. Immunotherapy will be used in selected patients who do not respond to other treatments.

Keywords

Allergic rhinitis Allergy tests Antihistamines Immunotherapy Nasal corticosteroids

Note:

Este texto corresponde a una versión abreviada y autorizada del texto original publicado en marzo de 2024 en la web del Grupo de Vías Respiratorias (https://www.respirar.org/index.php/protocolos), donde puede accederse al texto completo y a las referencias bibliográficas.

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