Allergic rhinitis in children: a comprehensive approach to treatment

Abstract

Prevalence of allergic rhinitis among chronic upper respiratory diseases in pediatrics is one of highest. Beside anti-inflammatory drugs (topical steroids, antileukotrienes, antihistamines), reliever therapies are important too in treatment of allergic rhinitis. Decongestant prescription in children should lasts no more than 7–10 days; combination of alpha1-adrenomimetic with topical antihistamines is one of possible ways to improve the efficacy, for example, the combination of dimetindene maleate with phenylephrine as nasal drops. We present the results of retrospective evaluation of 625 patients aged from 0 to 17 years with allergic rhinitis, diagnosed not less than 12 month ago. Among examined group, mild allergic rhinitis prevalence was 56.9%, moderate 37.2% and severe 5.9%. During the year all patients experienced 1754 exacerbations (on average, 2.79 ± 1.13 exacerbations per patient). Contact with allergen (35.3%) and respiratory infections (28.8%) were more prevalent reasons of exacerbation; non-specific trigger provocation (pungent smells, air humidity or temperature change etc.) (19.8%) and unknown reason (16.4%) of allerhttps://doi.org/10.21518/2079-701X-2022-16-1-184-189 gic rhinitis exacerbation were less prevalent. When treated with combined nasal drops of dimetindene maleate and phenylephrine median [Q25; Q75] duration of exacerbation was a bit shorter 7.94 [6.25; 17.15] days, than using other decongestants, but difference was statistically insignificant. Combined nasal drops were maximal clinically efficient among patients under 12 years old with exacerbations, caused by allergens contacts. We did not register any adverse events caused by decongestant treatment, during our study. Patients with allergic rhinitis should be provided with written action plan for the disease exacerbation. Using as reliever therapy combined nasal drops (dimetindene maleate and phenylephrine) registered for patients from 1 year old, decrease number of medicines and reduce allergic rhinitis exacerbations duration.