PMID: 6111217Nov 1, 1980Paper

Medical management of noninfectious rhinitis

American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy
L HendelesL Wong

Abstract

Noninfectious rhinitis and the clinical pharmacology of drugs used in its treatment, including specific treatment recommendations, are reviewed. Characterized by hyperreactivity of the nasal mucosa to a variety of stimuli, noninfectious rhinitis can be classified either as seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis (when antigens can be identified) or as vasomotor or nonallergic rhinitis (when antigens are not identifiable). However, noninfectious rhinitis is probably better viewed as a continuum between these extremes rather than as definitive categories. Treatment measures include removal of offending agents when possible, and injection of allergenic extracts to decrease sensitivity to inhalant allergens. Among the pharmacologic alternatives, the classical H1 antihistamines competitively inhibit the action of mast-cell histamine at its receptor sites and thus decrease sneezing, nasal pruritus, rhinorrhea, and conjunctivitis. Orally bioavailable alpha-adrenergic agents such as pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine decrease nasal congestion that responds poorly to antihistamines. Topical vasoconstrictors are contraindicated in chronic rhinitis because of the complications of rebound congestion. Systemic corticosteroids are effec...Continue Reading

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