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Allergic Rhinitis
Authors
Affiliations
1 University of Louisville
2 University of Louisville
Objectives:
Introduction
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an atopic disease characterized by symptoms of nasal congestion, clear
rhinorrhea, sneezing, postnasal drip, and nasal pruritis. It affects one in six individuals and is
associated with significant morbidity, loss of productivity, and healthcare costs. Historically, AR was
thought to be a disease process of the nasal airway alone. Still, the development of the unified airway
theory has classified AR as a component of systemic allergic response, with other associated
conditions, such as asthma and atopic dermatitis, sharing an underlying systemic pathology.[1] AR can
be classified as either seasonal (intermittent) or perennial (chronic), with approximately 20% of cases
being seasonal, 40% perennial, and 40% with features of both.[2] In addition to nasal symptoms,
patients with AR may also present with associated allergic conjunctivitis, non-productive cough,
Eustachian tube dysfunction, and chronic sinusitis. Once diagnosed, AR is treatable with a variety of
modalities, with intra-nasal glucocorticoids being the first-line therapy.[1]
Etiology
The allergic response is classified into early and late-phase reactions. In the early phase, allergic
rhinitis is an immunoglobulin (Ig)E-mediated response against inhaled allergens that cause
inflammation driven by type 2 helper (Th2) cells.[2] The initial response occurs within five to 15
minutes of exposure to an antigen, resulting in the degranulation of host mast cells. This releases a
variety of pre-formed and newly synthesized mediators, including histamine, which is one of the
primary mediators of allergic rhinitis. Histamine induces sneezing via the trigeminal nerve and also
plays a role in rhinorrhea by stimulating mucous glands. Other immune mediators, such as
leukotrienes and prostaglandins, are also implicated as they act on blood vessels to cause nasal
congestion. Four to six hours after the initial response, an influx of cytokines, such as interleukins
(IL)-4 and IL-13, from mast cells occurs, signifying the development of the late-phase response. These
cytokines, in turn, facilitate the infiltration of eosinophils, T-lymphocytes, and basophils into the nasal
mucosa and produce nasal edema with resultant congestion.[3]
Non-IgE-mediated hyperresponsiveness can develop due to eosinophilic infiltration and nasal mucosal
obliteration. The nasal mucosa now becomes hyperreactive to normal stimuli (such as tobacco smoke
and cold air) and causes symptoms of sneezing, rhinorrhea, and nasal pruritis.[4]
There are data to suggest a genetic component to allergic rhinitis, but high-quality studies are
generally lacking. Monozygotic twins show 45% to 60% concordance, and dizygotic twins have a
concordance rate of approximately 25% in the development of AR. Specific regions on chromosomes 3
and 4 also correlate with allergic responses.[5]
Epidemiology
The prevalence of allergic rhinitis based on physician diagnosis is approximately 15%; however, the
prevalence is estimated to be as high as 30% based on patients with nasal symptoms. AR is known to
peak in the second to fourth decades of life and then gradually decline.[6] The incidence of AR in the
pediatric population is also quite high, making it one of the most common chronic pediatric disorders.
According to data from the International Study for Asthma and Allergies in Childhood, 14.6% in the 13
to 14 year age group and 8.5% in the 6 to 7 year age group display symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis
linked to allergic rhinitis.[7] Seasonal allergic rhinitis seems to be more common in the pediatric age
group, whereas chronic rhinitis is more prevalent in adults.[8]
A systematic review from 2018 estimated that 3.6% of adults had missed work, and 36% had impaired
work performance due to allergic rhinitis. Economic evaluations have shown that indirect costs
associated with lost work productivity account for the majority of the cost burden for AR.[9]
Risk factors for developing AR include a family history of atopy, male sex, a presence of allergen-
specific IgE, a serum IgE greater than 100 IU/mL before age 6, and higher socioeconomic status.[5]
Studies in young children have shown a higher risk of AR in those with an early introduction to foods
or formula and/or heavy exposure to cigarette smoking in the first year of life.[2] Although many
recent studies have evaluated the link between pollution and the development of AR, no significant
correlation yet exists. Interestingly, there are several factors identified that may have a protective
effect on the development of AR. The role of breastfeeding in the development of AR is often debated,
but it is still recommended due to its many other known benefits and no associated harms. There is no
evidence that pet avoidance in childhood prevents AR; however, it is hypothesized that early pet
exposure may induce immune tolerance. There is a growing interest in the "farm effect" on the
development of allergies, and a meta-analysis of 8 studies showed a 40% lower risk in subjects who
had lived on a farm during their first year of life.[10]
On physical examination, clinicians may notice mouth breathing, frequent sniffling and/or throat
clearing, transverse supra-tip nasal crease, and dark circles under the eyes (allergic shiners). Nasal
supratip crease is more common in children. Anterior rhinoscopy typically reveals swelling of the nasal
mucosa and thin, clear secretions. The inferior turbinates may take on a bluish hue, and cobblestoning
of the nasal mucosa may be present. Whenever possible, an internal endoscopic examination of the
nasal cavity should be conducted to assess for nasal polyps and structural abnormalities. Pneumatic
otoscopy can be used to assess for eustachian tube dysfunction, which can be a common finding in
patients with allergic rhinitis. Palpation of sinuses may elicit tenderness in patients with chronic
symptoms. These patients should also undergo careful examination for signs of asthma or dermatitis
and should be questioned regarding aspirin sensitivity.[11]
Evaluation
Allergic rhinitis is largely a clinical diagnosis made based on a thorough history and physical. A
positive response to empiric treatment with a nasal glucocorticoid can support the diagnosis. A formal
diagnosis is possible with either serum testing for allergen-specific IgE or allergy skin testing.[6] As
stated by the American Academy of Otolaryngology guidelines, allergy testing should be reserved for
patients who are unresponsive to empiric treatment or require the identification of a specific allergen
to target therapy.[1] Serum testing does not require trained technicians, and the patient does not need
to stop taking antihistamines in advance. Intradermal allergy testing does require a trained
professional to perform testing, but results are available immediately. In patients with seasonal
symptoms, testing should be performed during the peak symptoms season in order to best identify
specific triggers.[6] Skin testing is known to have slightly superior sensitivity to serum testing and is
more cost-effective. Contraindications to skin allergy testing include patients with uncontrolled or
severe asthma, unstable cardiovascular disease, pregnancy, and/or concurrent beta-blocker
therapy. H2-receptor antagonists, tricyclic antidepressants, and anti-IgE monoclonal antibody
omalizumab can interfere with allergy skin test response; therefore, cessation is advisable before
testing.[10]
Radiographic imaging is not routinely recommended for the diagnosis of AR and is primarily used to
rule out other conditions, such as rhinosinusitis.[10]
Treatment / Management
Avoidance of triggers, especially in those with seasonal symptoms, is encouraged, although it is not
always practical. Precautions can be taken to avoid dust mites, animal dander, and upholstery, though
this can require significant lifestyle changes that may not be acceptable to the patient. If removing a
pet from the home is not feasible, isolating the pet to a single room in the house may be an option to
minimize dander exposure. It may take up to 20 weeks to eliminate cat dander from the home, even
after removing the animal. Allergen-impermeable bedding covers, washing sheets in hot water, and
the use of a vacuum cleaner with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters may also lessen
symptoms.[5]
Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) such as montelukast and zafirlukast can be beneficial in
patients with AR, but they are not as efficacious as intranasal corticosteroids.[13] Their use is often in
combination therapy with other agents for severe or refractory symptoms. For patients in whom
avoidance measures and combination pharmacotherapy are not effective, allergen
immunotherapy should be considered. Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) or sublingual
immunotherapy (SLIT) are commonly used therapies. Weekly incremental doses are given for 6 to 8
months, followed by maintenance doses for 3 to 5 years. Typically, patients experience a prolonged,
protective effect, and therapy can be ceased.[1]
Oral decongestants such as pseudoephedrine are useful in relieving symptoms but are not
recommended for extended daily use due to their side-effect profile. Intranasal decongestants such as
xylometazoline are alpha-agonists that are delivered directly to nasal tissue to produce
vasoconstriction. Prolonged use of intranasal decongestants has a risk of causing rebound nasal
congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa) and, therefore, should not be used for more than a week.[10]
Sodium cromoglycate (Cromolyn) effectively reduces sneezing, rhinorrhea, and nasal pruritis, so it is a
reasonable option. Surgical treatment is reserved for patients with nasal polyposis, inferior turbinate
hypertrophy causing intractable nasal obstruction, or chronic sinus disease refractory to medical
treatment.[5] Budesonide is the only FDA-approved agent for pregnant patients experiencing
symptoms of allergic rhinitis.[1] Omalizumab, a monoclonal antibody, is beneficial in patients with
AR, although the cost associated with therapy is a limiting factor in its use.[14] Nasal saline can be
another option in conjunction with other treatment modalities. Isotonic solutions are more beneficial
in adults, whereas hypertonic solutions may be more effective in children.[10]
Differential Diagnosis
The differential diagnosis for AR includes other forms of rhinitis that are not allergic. Children,
particularly those under the age of 2 years, should also be assessed for congenital causes of nasal
obstruction, such as choanal atresia and immunodeficiencies.[2][6][10]
Anti-H3 and H4 antihistamines are currently under study for use in AR, but no agents have received
approval yet. Roflumilast, a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitor approved for patients with COPD,
has been proven to be beneficial in AR in one small study, but further studies to confirm results are
lacking. A new route of administration for immunotherapy is the injection of allergens directly into
lymph nodes. It has been proven to induce a 10-fold higher allergen-specific IgG response that is
demonstrated by improved efficacy and safety. Dapilumab, a fully-humanized monoclonal antibody,
improved AR-related nasal symptoms in a recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
It works by inhibiting the signaling of IL-4 and IL-13, which are both key drivers of immune diseases.
Novel therapeutic approaches such as these are in development or clinical trials and look promising in
the treatment of AR.[16]
Prognosis
The belief is that the prevalence of allergic rhinitis peaks in adolescence and gradually decreases with
advancing age. In a longitudinal study, at the time of the 23-year follow-up, 54.9% of patients showed
improvement in symptoms, with 41.6% of those being symptom-free. Patients who had an onset of
symptoms at a younger age were more likely to show improvement. The severity of AR can vary over
time and depends on various factors such as location and season.[17] Approximately 50% of patients
receiving grass allergy immunotherapy noted improvement in symptoms that continued 3 years after
discontinuation of therapy.[18]
Complications
Chronic rhinosinusitis, although distinct from allergic rhinitis, can be a complication of AR. It is
characterized by nasal inflammation with symptoms of nasal congestion or discharge, ongoing for
longer than 3 months. Chronic rhinosinusitis may also demonstrate findings of nasal polyps (nasal
polyposis), which form as a result of chronic inflammation of the paranasal sinus mucosa. Nasal
polyps are typically benign and present bilaterally. Unilateral nasal polyps should raise concerns for
malignancy. The incidence of nasal polyps in the general population is approximately 4% and is more
common in males. Treatment options include topical steroids and saline irrigation. Surgical removal is
reserved for patients who do not respond to medical therapy.[1]
It is also known that sensitization to allergens in AR can alter the immunological parameters of the
adenoids, resulting in adenoid hypertrophy.[4] Eustachian tube dysfunction commonly manifests in
patients with AR and presents as ear fullness, otalgia, and ear-popping. Approximately 10 to 40% of
patients with AR also have concurrent asthma, and some studies suggest asthma is more common in
moderate to severe persistent rhinitis. Many studies have demonstrated AR to be an independent risk
factor for asthma, especially in patients diagnosed with AR during infancy. Some other associated
complications include otitis media with effusion, persistent cough, and eosinophilic esophagitis,
although there is a need to define the link more clearly.[10]
Patients undergoing allergen desensitization (allergy shots) can experience an acute exacerbation of
rhinitis or asthma, or, in a worst-case scenario, the patient could progress to anaphylaxis. Therefore,
staff members in offices that provide this therapy should be well-versed in the diagnosis and
management of such severe reactions and have the appropriate emergency medications (especially
epinephrine) and airway management equipment immediately available.[19][20]
Consultations
Allergic rhinitis is most often diagnosed and managed by primary care physicians/providers. However,
patients who fail traditional therapies for AR are eligible for referral to a specialist, such as an allergist
or an otolaryngologist (ENT) with an allergy focus. Patients who are deemed candidates for
immunotherapy typically obtain a referral to allergists for therapy. Specific findings on the physical
exam should also prompt a referral, such as multiple nasal polyps in a pediatric patient, which is
highly suggestive of cystic fibrosis. Patients who present with bloody or unilateral nasal discharge (not
basic epistaxis) should be urgently referred to an ENT to rule out malignancy. Any concern for
cerebrospinal fluid leak causing rhinorrhea also warrants referral to an ENT specialist.[21]
PCPs, nurse practitioners, and allergy specialists often work closely in co-managing patients with AR.
The interprofessional team must work as a team to educate the patient and family. After an initial
evaluation and a treatment plan is in place, the nurse practitioner, physician assistant, and physician
must work together to assure the patient improves and, if not, receives additional evaluation. Access to
healthcare and specialists varies globally, but when available, PCPs, pediatricians, allergists, and/or
ENT specialists working with specialty-trained ENT nurses and clinicians will result in the best
outcomes.[21]
Review Questions
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