Intranasal corticosteroids should be used for allergic rhinitis

The prevalence of allergic rhinitis has increased in the past 30 years and around 20-40% of the population is affected. The condition can cause profound morbidity. On p 1624 Weiner et al report on a systematic review of 16 randomised controlled trials comparing the effectiveness of corticosteroids and oral H₁ receptor antagonists (antihistamines) at relieving the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Intranasal corticosteroids provided greater relief of nasal blockage, discharge, and itch, and of postnasal drip, total nasal symptoms, and global ratings than did antihistamines. Intranasal corticosteroids were also found to be more cost effective.


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Relevant Article

Intranasal corticosteroids versus oral H₁ receptor antagonists in allergic rhinitis: systematic review of randomised controlled trials

John M Weiner, Michael J Abramson, and Robert M Puy
BMJ 1998 317: 1624-1629. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]