THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS AND URTICARIA

Therapy for patients with allergic rhinitis and urticaria has undergon e considerable change in recent years because the mechanisms of these diseases have been more clearly elucidated. Both appear to have marked inflammatory components. A review of the recent literature reveals th at clinical studies of both classic and new nonsedating H-1-receptor a ntagonists, H-2-receptor antagonists, a variety of intranasal medicati ons, and mast-cell stabilizers demonstrate variable roles in the manag ement of these diseases. Because allergic rhinitis has early- and late -phase reaction's, therapy must be directed toward control of both res ponses. There are a number of types of urticaria; therapy for each may vary.