In women, allergic rhinitis symptoms may worsen during pregnancy. While fewer factors provoke rhinitis in the elderly, treatment needs to be more tailored due to slower metabolism and the potential for side effects. In young children, for example, medication dosage should be prescribed according to their size. The guidelines indicate that for many patients, topical nasal steroids and antihistamines provide effective treatment. Based on studies showing that sedating antihistamines can cause drowsiness and have a negative impact on thought and function, the guidelines suggest the use of nonsedating agents which cause no more impairment than placebos.
Some patients require a combination of agents to control their symptoms.
To identify individual patient needs, the guidelines include a Patient Evaluation Form. This interactive tool asks patients to track their symptoms, catalogue their family history of allergies and describe the effects of allergies on daily life. Our goal is to improve patient compliance with appropriate therapies and reduce dollars spent on ineffective treatment. A free brochure will be made available to consumers through their physicians' offices. The brochure highlights the treatment guidelines and includes the tear-off patient evaluation form.