A role for measurement of nasal IgE antibodies in diagnosis of Alternaria-induced rhinitis in children

[Immunoglobulin E in nasal secretions]

Diagnosis of allergic disease is primarily verified by IgE blood serum analysis. Determination in nasal secretions is technically more difficult, particularly due to a low specimen volume and the method of sample collection. Nasal secretions are frequently collected by lavage, which allows qualitative diagnostics, whereas swabs with defined amounts of mucus enable quantitative analyses. In the case of negative skin and serum tests, detection of IgE in nasal mucus combined with nasal provocation testing aids differentiation between local allergic and nonallergic rhinitis.

Local allergic rhinitis in children: Clinical characteristics and role of basophil activation test as a diagnostic tool

BACKGROUND

Local allergic rhinitis (LAR) is a condition involving a localized nasal allergic response in absence of systemic atopy. Most studies on LAR have been performed in adults. We aimed to describe clinical characteristics of LAR pediatric patients, its clinical evolution over a 7-year follow-up period and to study the role of basophil activation test (BAT), for its diagnosis.

METHODS

Forty-four children with non-allergic rhinitis (NAR) were included (24 males, 20 females, aged under 15 years). Nasal allergen provocation test (NAPT) and BAT were performed with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Phleum pratense.

RESULTS

Seven patients (16%) were diagnosed of LAR. Six reacted to D pteronyssinus and one to P pratense. All LAR and 86% of NAR patients presented perennial symptoms. Fifty-seven percent of NAR and LAR patients referred persistent symptoms. Around half of NAR and LAR patients reported mild-moderate clinical manifestations. Three LAR patients associated conjunctival symptoms, proportionally more than NAR patients (19%, 7 out of 37). NAR patients presented bronchial asthma (n = 10) more frequently than LAR children (n = 1). More than half of LAR and NAR patients presented family history of atopy. BAT was negative in all LAR patients. On follow-up, 3 LAR patients and 10 of the 25 NAR patients who agreed to be retested, presented systemic sensitization. Dust mites were the most frequent allergen involved.

CONCLUSIONS

LAR should be ruled out in children with NAR. Almost half of children with LAR develop systemic sensitization over time. BAT shows low sensitivity for the diagnosis of LAR in children.

International consensus statement on allergy and rhinology: Allergic rhinitis - 2023

BACKGROUND

In the 5 years that have passed since the publication of the 2018 International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Allergic Rhinitis (ICAR-Allergic Rhinitis 2018), the literature has expanded substantially. The ICAR-Allergic Rhinitis 2023 update presents 144 individual topics on allergic rhinitis (AR), expanded by over 40 topics from the 2018 document. Originally presented topics from 2018 have also been reviewed and updated. The executive summary highlights key evidence-based findings and recommendation from the full document.

METHODS

ICAR-Allergic Rhinitis 2023 employed established evidence-based review with recommendation (EBRR) methodology to individually evaluate each topic. Stepwise iterative peer review and consensus was performed for each topic. The final document was then collated and includes the results of this work.

RESULTS

ICAR-Allergic Rhinitis 2023 includes 10 major content areas and 144 individual topics related to AR. For a substantial proportion of topics included, an aggregate grade of evidence is presented, which is determined by collating the levels of evidence for each available study identified in the literature. For topics in which a diagnostic or therapeutic intervention is considered, a recommendation summary is presented, which considers the aggregate grade of evidence, benefit, harm, and cost.

CONCLUSION

The ICAR-Allergic Rhinitis 2023 update provides a comprehensive evaluation of AR and the currently available evidence. It is this evidence that contributes to our current knowledge base and recommendations for patient evaluation and treatment.

Environmental Factors Affecting Diversity, Structure, and Temporal Variation of Airborne Fungal Communities in a Research and Teaching Building of Tianjin University, China

Airborne fungi are widely distributed in the environment and may have adverse effects on human health. A 12-month survey on the diversity and concentration of culturable airborne fungi was carried out in a research and teaching building of Tianjin University. Indoor and outdoor environments were analyzed using an HAS-100B air sampler. A total of 667 fungal strains, belonging to 160 species and 73 genera were isolated and identified based on morphological and molecular analysis. The most abundant fungal genera were Alternaria (38.57%), Cladosporium (21.49%), and Aspergillus (5.34%), while the most frequently appearing species was A. alternata (21%), followed by A. tenuissima (12.4%), and C. cladosporioides (9.3%). The concentration of fungi in different environments ranged from 0 to 150 CFU/m3 and was significantly higher outdoor than indoor. Temperature and sampling month were significant factors influencing the whole building fungal community, while relative humidity and wind speed were highly correlated with fungal composition outdoor. Variations in the relative abundance of major airborne fungal taxa at different heights above-ground could lead to different community structures at different floors. Our results may provide valuable information for air quality monitoring and microbial pollution control in university building environments.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Local Allergic Rhinitis

Some patients with chronic rhinitis have a positive nasal allergen provocation test (NAPT) without systemic IgE sensitization by skin prick tests or serum allergen-specific IgE (sIgE). This novel concept is called local allergic rhinitis (LAR) and affects children and adults worldwide, but is underdiagnosed. LAR is not just the initial state of allergic rhinitis (AR), it is a unique form of chronic rhinitis that is neither classical AR nor non-AR. Many of the features of AR and LAR are similar, such as a positive NAPT, positive type 2 inflammatory markers, including the nasal discharge of sIgE, and a high incidence of asthma. A differential diagnosis of LAR needs to be considered in patients with symptoms suggestive of AR in the absence of systemic atopy, regardless of age. The diagnostic method for LAR relies on positive responses to single or multiple allergens in NAPT, the sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility of which are high. The basophil activation test and measurement of IgE in nasal secretions also contribute to the diagnosis of LAR. Treatment for LAR is similar to that for AR and is supported by the efficacy and safety of allergen exposure avoidance, drug therapy, and allergen immunotherapy. This review discusses current knowledge on LAR.

Prevalence, comorbidities, diagnosis, and treatment of nonallergic rhinitis: real-world comparison with allergic rhinitis

Rhinitis is among the most common respiratory diseases in children. Nonallergic rhinitis, which involves nasal symptoms without evidence of systemic allergic inflammation or infection, is a heterogeneous entity with diverse manifestations and intensities. Nonallergic rhinitis accounts for 16%-89% of the chronic rhinitis cases, affecting 1%-50% (median 10%) of the total pediatric population. The clinical course of nonallergic rhinitis is generally rather mild and less likely to be associated with allergic comorbidities than allergic rhinitis. Here, we aimed to estimate the rate of coexisting comorbidities of nonallergic rhinitis. Nonallergic rhinitis is more prevalent during the first 2 years of life; however, its underestimation for children with atopic tendencies is likely due to low positive rates of specific allergic tests during early childhood. Local allergic rhinitis is a recently noted phenotype with rates similar to those in adults (median, 44%; range, 4%-67%), among patients previously diagnosed with nonallergic rhinitis. Idiopathic rhinitis, a subtype of nonallergic rhinitis, has been poorly studied in children, and its rates are known to be lower than those in adults. The prevalence of nonallergic rhinitis with eosinophilia syndrome is even lower. A correlation between nonallergic rhinitis and pollution has been suggested owing to the recent increase in nonallergic rhinitis rates in highly developing regions such as some Asian countries, but many aspects remain unknown. Conventional treatments include antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, and recent treatments include combination of intranasal corticosteroids with azelastin or decongestants. Here we review the prevalence, diagnosis, comorbidities, and treatment recommendations for nonallergic rhinitis versus allergic rhinitis in children.

Systematic evaluation of allergic phenotypes of rhinitis in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

Three allergic phenotypes of rhinitis have been described in adults: allergic rhinitis (AR), local allergic rhinitis (LAR), and dual allergic rhinitis (DAR, coexistence of AR and LAR). Nevertheless, most centers follow a diagnostic approach only based on skin prick test and serum allergen-specific IgE (collectively called atopy tests, AT). This approach prevents the recognition of LAR and DAR, the diagnosis of which requires a nasal allergen challenge (NAC). Here, we investigate the existence of LAR and DAR phenotypes in children and adolescents, and the misdiagnosis rate associated with a work-up exclusively based on AT.

METHODS

Clinical data were obtained during physician-conducted interviews, and AT and NAC were systematically performed in 5- to 18-year-old patients with chronic rhinitis. The misdiagnosis rate was defined as the proportion of cases where AT and NAC results were discordant.

RESULTS

A total of 173 patients (mean age 15.1 years, 39.9% male) completed the study. AR (positive AT and NAC), LAR (negative AT and positive NAC), DAR (positive AT and NAC for some allergens and negative AT and positive NAC for other allergens), and non-allergic rhinitis (negative NAC) were diagnosed in 45.7%, 24.9%, 11.6%, and 17.9% of individuals, respectively. The clinical profile was comparable among allergic phenotypes, but allergic patients had a significantly earlier rhinitis onset, higher conjunctivitis prevalence, and more severe disease than NAR individuals. A diagnostic work-up exclusively based on AT misclassified 37.6% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

LAR and DAR represent relevant differential diagnosis in pediatric rhinitis. NAC increases the diagnostic accuracy of clinical algorithms for rhinitis in children and adolescents.

Local Respiratory Allergy: From Rhinitis Phenotype to Disease Spectrum

Local respiratory allergy (LRA) is defined by the negativity of atopy tests, a clinical history suggestive of airway allergy and a positive response to the nasal and/or bronchial allergen challenge. The clinical spectrum of LRA is comprised of three conditions: local allergic rhinitis (LAR) and local allergic asthma in non-atopic patients, and dual allergic rhinitis (coexistence of allergic rhinitis and LAR) in atopic individuals. LRA is an independent disease phenotype not progressing to atopy over time, but naturally evolving to the clinical worsening and the onset of comorbidities. Published data suggests that LRA is mediated through the mucosal synthesis of allergen-specific (s)IgE, which binds to FcϵRI on resident mast cells, and in >50% of cases traffics to the blood stream to sensitize circulating basophils. To date, 4 clinical trials have demonstrated the capacity of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) to decrease nasal, conjunctival and bronchial symptoms, to improve quality of life, to increase the threshold dose of allergen eliciting respiratory symptoms, and to induce serum sIgG₄ in LRA individuals. Collectively, these data indicate that local allergy is a relevant disease mechanisms in both atopic and non-atopic patients with airway diseases.

Food Intolerance of Unknown Origin: Caused by Mucosal Inflammation? A Pilot Study

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of patients with food intolerance (FI) has increased significantly. Immunoglobulin (Ig)E-mediated food allergies (FAs) are detected by determining IgE antibodies and skin prick test. Carbohydrate malabsorptions are clarified with breath tests. However, these diagnostic measures cannot capture all intolerances and have limitations in case of gut-mediated FI. The aims of this pilot study were to evaluate different methods to determine intestinal mucosal IgE in patients with FA and to characterize the intestinal mucosa in patients with FI of unknown origin (FH).

METHODS

Patients with FA and FH were compared with healthy controls. To determine the IgE antibodies and the cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ of the intestinal mucosal, a lavage was performed as part of an ileocolonoscopy and samples were taken using the cytobrush and biopsy forceps. In a subgroup, mucosal samples were also taken from the duodenum.

RESULTS

Data in homogenates of intestinal mucosal samples yielded the highest sensitivity for IgE antibody titers compared with lavage and cytobrush. Patients with FA presented increased intestinal TNF-α and low IFN-γ values. This was in contrast to FH patients, who showed low intestinal IgE antibodies and TNF-α levels, but increased IFN-γ values.

DISCUSSION

The determination of IgE antibodies to diagnose intestinal IgE-mediated FA is most reliable in intestinal mucosal samples. Increased TNF-α and low IFN-γ levels in patients with FA characterize an allergic reaction. Decreased TNF-α and increased IFN-γ levels in patients with FH indicate an inflammation-related intolerance reaction (see Visual Abstract, Supplementary Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/CTG/A520).

Local Allergic Rhinitis Revisited

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Local allergic rhinitis (LAR) represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for clinicians. Even though it affects a considerable number of chronic rhinitis patients and a significant number of articles regarding prevalence, evolution, diagnosis, and treatment have been published, the condition remains still largely unrecognized and therefore misdiagnosed and mistreated.

RECENT FINDINGS

LAR is a unique form of chronic rhinitis; it is neither classical allergic rhinitis (AR) nor non-allergic rhinitis (NAR). The symptoms, duration, severity, and complications of LAR are similar to those of AR and can affect adults and children. Thus, a portion of patients diagnosed with NAR or chronic rhinitis of unknown etiology may have LAR. The relationship between LAR inflammation and systemic allergic inflammation is unclear. Patients are frequently misdiagnosed with idiopathic NAR, and distinguishing between both entities is difficult without specific diagnostic tests. Underdiagnosis of LAR has implications on the management of these patients, as they are deprived of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) that has been demonstrated to modulate the immune mechanisms underlying allergic diseases. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the current knowledge on LAR and address unmet needs in the areas of disease diagnosis and treatment.

Allergen Immunotherapy for Local Respiratory Allergy

PURPOSE OF REVIESW

Local respiratory allergy (LRA) is an eosinophilic phenotype of chronic airway disease. Three entities have been described within the LRA spectrum: local allergic rhinitis (LAR) and local allergic asthma (LAA) in non-atopic patients, and dual allergic rhinitis (DAR) in atopic patients (coexistence of LAR and allergic rhinitis). In this article, we aim to review the current evidence on the therapeutic options for LRA.

RECENT FINDINGS

No controlled study has assessed the effect of standard therapy (oral antihistamines, intranasal or inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators) in LRA subjects. Three randomized clinical trials and one observational study demonstrated that allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is able to control nasal and ocular symptoms, decrease the need for rescue medication, and improve quality of life in LAR individuals. Nasal or inhaled steroids can be expected to improve eosinophilic inflammation in LRA patients but cannot change the natural course of the disease. Moreover, the long-term and disease-modifying effects of AIT in LRA subjects need to be investigated.

IgE antibody repertoire in nasal secretions of children and adults with seasonal allergic rhinitis: A molecular analysis

BACKGROUND

There is growing interest both in testing IgE in nasal secretions (NS) and in molecular diagnosis of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). Yet, the reliability of nasal IgE detection with the newest molecular assays has never been assessed in a large cohort of pollen allergic patients.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate with microarray technology and compare the repertoires of specific IgE (sIgE) antibodies in NS and sera of a large population of children and adults with SAR.

METHODS

Nasal secretions were collected with an absorbent device (Merocel 2000^® , Medtronic) and a minimal dilution procedure from 90 children and 71 adults with SAR. Total IgE (tIgE) (ImmunoCAP, Thermo Fisher Scientific (TFS)) and sIgE antibodies against 112 allergen molecules (ISAC-112, TFS) were measured in NS and serum.

RESULTS

Nasal sIgE was detectable in 68.3% of the patients. The detected nasal sIgE antibodies recognized airborne (88%), vegetable (10%), and animal food or other (<1%) allergen molecules. The prevalence and average levels of sIgE in NS and serum were highly interrelated at population level. A positive nasal sIgE antibody to a given molecule predicted the detection of the same antibody in the patient's serum with a specificity of 99.7% and a sensitivity of 40%.

CONCLUSIONS

The concentration of sIgE is much lower in nasal secretions than in the serum. sIgE assays with very high analytical sensitivity and sampling methods with minimal dilution will be therefore needed to validate nasal secretions as alternative to serum in testing the sIgE repertoire.

How to Diagnose and Treat Local Allergic Rhinitis: A Challenge for Clinicians

Chronic rhinitis is a very common disease that can be divided in various phenotypes. Historically, the condition has been classified into the allergic rhinitis (AR) and non-allergic non-infectious rhinitis (NAR) forms, based on the results of the classical biomarkers of atopy: skin prick test and serum allergen-specific IgE However, this classification does not reflect the complexity of the rhinitis syndrome, as illustrated by the existence of non-atopic rhinitis patients who display a nasal reactivity to environmental allergens. This new phenotype has been termed local allergic rhinitis (LAR) and can be only recognized if an additional test such as the nasal allergen challenge (NAC) is integrated in the diagnostic algorithm for chronic rhinitis. Recent data shows that the NAC is a very safe and reliable technique ready for the clinical practice. LAR is a differentiated rhinitis phenotype which often commences during childhood and quickly progresses towards a clinical worsening and the association of comorbidities in other mucosal organs. Recent evidence supports the existence of a bronchial counterpart of LAR (local allergic asthma), which highlights the pathophysiological links between the upper and lower airways and reinforces the united airways concept. Importantly, several controlled studies have demonstrated the ability of allergen immunotherapy to control LAR symptoms while the therapy is being administered. This review emphasizes the need to implement the NAC in the clinical practice in order to facilitate the recognition of LAR patients, allowing for an early prescription of specific therapies with disease-modifying potential.

Mucosal IgE immune responses in respiratory diseases

IgE is the less abundant immunoglobulin isotype in serum and displays higher affinity for its cognate Fc receptor (FcεRI) than the rest of antibody isotypes. Moreover, the class switch recombination and the generation of memory responses remarkably differ between IgE and other isotypes. Importantly, class switch recombination to IgE can occur in the mucosae, preferentially through the sequential switching from IgG. Therefore, resident effector cells get rapidly sensitized, and free IgE can be found in mucosal secretions. All these aspects explain the involvement of IgE in respiratory diseases. In allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma, the IgE-sensitization to environmental allergens triggers an eosinophilic inflammation of the airway mucosa of atopic patients. In recent years, growing evidence indicates that some non-atopic patients with nasal reactivity to allergens display nasal eosinophilic inflammation, which could be triggered by the local production of allergen-specific IgE. This phenotype has been termed local allergic rhinitis. Mucosal IgE is also implicated in the pathophysiology of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, even though the mechanisms for IgE synthesis might differ in this case. The role of IgE as mediator of airway diseases identify this marker as a therapeutic target. Some biologicals antagonize IgE-mediated inflammation of the airway mucosa, but they have not shown a beneficial long-term effect after discontinuation. In contrast, allergen immunotherapy does not only control the symptoms of airway allergy, but it also induces a long-lasting effect after discontinuation, thus modifying the natural course of the disease.

Detection of local allergic rhinitis in children with chronic, difficult-to-treat, non-allergic rhinitis using multiple nasal provocation tests

BACKGROUND

There is little evidence on the incidence and characteristics of local allergic rhinitis (LAR) in children. Most studies have included subjects with perennial rhinitis only, and results are based on the investigation of no more than three allergens per study. Our aim was to determine the proportion of children with LAR amongst children with chronic, difficult-to-treat, perennial or seasonal, rhinitis but no evidence of sensitization to aeroallergens, or other alternative diagnosis.

METHODS

We performed multiple nasal provocation tests (M-NPTs) with four locally relevant aeroallergens (Phleum pratense, Olea europea, Alternaria alternata, and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) in children with absence of aeroallergen sensitization, seen during a calendar year in a specialized rhinitis clinic. We additionally performed single NPT to children with allergic rhinitis (AR; positive control group). The result of the NPT was based on symptoms and acoustic rhinometry. Identification of nasal hyper-reactivity (NHR) triggers was through a questionnaire.

RESULTS

Local allergic rhinitis was confirmed in 29.2% (7/24) of the negative SPT/blood testing population. All but one of the children reacted to one allergen and one to two. All AR children had positive single NPT with results similar to the LAR. There were no differences in age at examination and rhinitis onset, gender distribution, family atopy, and past or current environment of residency, while the prevalence of reported NHR triggers was comparable amongst the three groups.

CONCLUSION

This is the first pediatric study where the seasonal or perennial rhinitis population was thoroughly tested for LAR against four aeroallergens. LAR is present in a considerable proportion of children with chronic, difficult-to-treat rhinitis and no sensitization to aeroallergens, and therefore, the performance of NPT should be strongly considered in these cases. There were no distinct clinical characteristics between LAR, AR, and non-allergic rhinitis in children.

Is the evidence of local allergic rhinitis growing?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To examine the recent advances on epidemiological studies, diagnostic approach and clinical management of local allergic rhinitis (LAR) in adults and children.

RECENT FINDINGS

Evidence about LAR is growing especially in pediatric and Asian populations. The prevalence of LAR is lower in Asian countries compared with western countries in both children and adults. LAR is considered a chronic condition and an independent rhinitis phenotype that affects up to 26.5% of nonatopic rhinitis patients. The disease rapidly progress toward the clinical worsening with associated onset of asthma and conjunctivitis, which further impairs patient's quality of life. Nasal Allergen Provocation Test is the diagnostic gold standard that can be complemented by basophil activation test and the detection of specific IgE in nasal secretions. Allergen immunotherapy induces a significant and early improvement in both clinical symptoms and quality of life in LAR patients.

SUMMARY

LAR is a common entity, with different prevalence depending on geographical locations. LAR has to be considered in the process of differential diagnosis in children and adults with rhinitis. Diagnosis of LAR is crucial in order to start an etiologic treatment such as allergen immunotherapy, which has proven to be very effective in these patients.

IgE Test in Secretions of Patients with Respiratory Allergy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

IgE is a key player in multiple inflammatory airway diseases. Ample literature demonstrates its presence in mucosa of patients with allergic rhinitis (AR), local allergic rhinitis (LAR), asthma, or chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP).

RECENT FINDINGS

Current evidence shows that high-affinity IgE in blood stream of allergic individuals derives mainly from the mucosae. Also, mucosal synthesis of IgE can occur in the absence of systemic atopy, and may be relevant in atopic and non-atopic phenotypes of rhinitis as demonstrated in LAR. Specific IgE (sIgE) detection varies depending on technique used for sample collection and its measurement. sIgE detection is highly specific for diagnosis of LAR. Moreover, measurement of sIgE in secretions could be useful in monitoring response to allergen-specific immunotherapy in both AR and LAR phenotypes. This review will focus on recent developments in the role of IgE in respiratory diseases, and the clinical implications of its measurement in secretions.

Local allergic rhinitis: Implications for management

A significant proportion of rhinitis patients without systemic IgE-sensitisation tested by skin prick test and serum allergen-specific IgE (sIgE) display nasal reactivity upon nasal allergen provocation test (NAPT). This disease phenotype has been termed local allergic rhinitis (LAR). LAR is an underdiagnosed entity affecting children and adults from different parts of the world, with moderate-to-severe symptoms, impairment of quality of life and rapid progression to symptom worsening. LAR is a stable phenotype and not merely an initial state of AR. Allergic rhinitis and LAR share many clinical features including a positive NAPT response, markers of type 2 nasal inflammation including sIgE in nasal secretions and a significant rate of asthma development. LAR should be considered as a differential diagnosis in those subjects of any age with symptoms suggestive of AR but no evidence of systemic atopy. Although LAR pathophysiology is partially unknown, in some patients sIgE can be demonstrated directly in the nasal secretions and/or indirectly via positive responses in basophil activation test (BAT). LAR can coexist with other rhinitis phenotypes, especially AR. The diagnosis currently relies on the positivity of NAPT to a single or multiple allergens. NAPT has high sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility, and it is considered the gold standard. BAT and the measurement of nasal sIgE can also contribute to LAR diagnosis. LAR patients benefit from the same therapeutic strategies than AR individuals, including the avoidance of allergen exposure and the pharmacotherapy. Moreover, several recent studies support the effectiveness and safety of allergen immunotherapy for LAR, which opens a window of treatment opportunity in these patients.

Optimizing Protein Harvest From Nasal Brushings for Determining Local Allergy Responses

Background Rhinitis is a highly prevalent yet often misdiagnosed condition. Patients who have local allergic rhinitis are regularly mislabeled as having a nonallergic etiology. Thus, a highly accurate, reproducible, and noninvasive assessment, which can be performed quickly and with minimal discomfort to the patient, is required. Objective The aim of this research was to identify the efficiency of various nasal brushes as tools for harvest and collection of epithelial proteins and its suitability for identification of rhinitis. Methods Nasal epithelial mucosa samples were taken from patients undergoing turbinate surgery using a cytology brush, a dental brush, and a nasal curette in random order. After washing in phosphate-buffered saline, the suspended cells were sonicated. Total protein content was assessed for all samples by bicinchoninic acid assay measured using a Nanodrop machine. Identification of nasal-specific immunoglobulin E (spIgE) was then assessed using immunoassay and compared to the patient's allergic status from epicutaneous and serum testing. The lower threshold limit for the spIgE in nasal brushings was determined using the results of serum spIgE tests as the reference. The diagnostic accuracy of this new established cutoff value was determined. Results The cytology brush was found to be the optimal tool for maximal nasal mucosa protein collection followed by dental brush and nasal curette (0.75 ± 0.45 mg/mL vs 0.43 ± 0.24 mg/mL vs 0.071 ± 0.55 mg/mL, respectively; P < .01). The optimal cutoff value of nasal spIgE from the cytology nasal brushings was 0.14 kUA/L to predict allergic status from serum testing. This gave a sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 86%, positive predictive value of 74%, likelihood ration positive of 5.40, and diagnostic odds ratio of 18.62. Conclusion The cytology brush is the optimal tool for protein collection. This is an easy and direct method to sample the nasal mucosa for assessment of nasal allergy or future biomarkers.

Pattern of allergic rhinitis among children in Ekiti, Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhinitis is a chronic and recurrent nasal condition. It is often neglected in children with late presentation. This study aimed at determining the prevalence, sociodemographic features, comorbid illnesses, complications and quality of life in children with allergic rhinitis in the study institution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a prospective hospital based study of children with allergic rhinitis in Ekiti state university teaching hospital, Ado Ekiti. The study was carried out in ENT department over a period of two years (between June 2015 to May 2017). Informed consent was obtained from the parents/guardian/patients and consented patients were enrolled into the study. Data were obtained by pretested interviewers assisted questionnaire. Details of their history, physical examination and investigations were carried out and findings were documented. All data obtained were descriptively analysed using SPSS version 18.0 and presented in simple tables and charts. Ethical clearance was sought for and obtained from the ethical committee of the hospital.

RESULTS

A total of 4341 patients were seen out of which 265 were children with allergic rhinitis. Prevalence of allergic rhinitis in children in this study was 6.1%. There were 63.0% males with male to female ratio of 2:1. Allergic rhinitis was peaked at preschool age group (1-5 years) accounted for 47.9%. A total of 42.3% participants were living in urban setting while 57.7% were from rural setting. Majorities (40.4%) of the patients were in nursery and parent's major occupation was mainly farming in 27.2%. There was positive family history of allergy in 54.7% patients. Perennial allergic rhinitis were noted in 63.8% patients while seasonal allergic rhinitis were noted in 36.2% patients. Major form of allergens was inhalant 81.8% and the least form of allergen was ingestant 5.7%. The commonest identified trigger factors among the study population were as follows: dust, cold weather and smoke which were accounted for 59.6%, 37.4% and 18.9% of the study patients respectively. Other noted triggering factors were soap and perfume which accounted for 4.2% and 1.1% respectively. Major associated comorbid illnesses among the patients were tonsils hypertrophy, adenoid hypertrophy and inferior turbinate hypertrophy which accounted for 55.5%, 46.4% and 40.4% respectively. Clinical presentations of allergic rhinitis in this study were mainly 75.8% nasal blockage, 65.3% runny nose and 8.5% recurrent sneezing. Commonest complications of allergic rhinitis were 35.1% pharyngitis, 32.1% otitis media and 28.3% headache. Treatment of allergic rhinitis leads to improvement on the clinical features in 90.1% patients. No significant improvement in clinical features were noticed in 9.8% patients. None of the studied patients reported worse clinical condition after treatment of allergic rhinitis. No mortality was recorded from allergic rhinitis in this study.

CONCLUSION

Allergic rhinitis affect all paediatric age group and there were delayed presentation in the participants. There were associated comorbid illnesses, complications and affectation of quality of life at presentation in majority of the patients.

International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Allergic Rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Critical examination of the quality and validity of available allergic rhinitis (AR) literature is necessary to improve understanding and to appropriately translate this knowledge to clinical care of the AR patient. To evaluate the existing AR literature, international multidisciplinary experts with an interest in AR have produced the International Consensus statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Allergic Rhinitis (ICAR:AR).

METHODS

Using previously described methodology, specific topics were developed relating to AR. Each topic was assigned a literature review, evidence-based review (EBR), or evidence-based review with recommendations (EBRR) format as dictated by available evidence and purpose within the ICAR:AR document. Following iterative reviews of each topic, the ICAR:AR document was synthesized and reviewed by all authors for consensus.

RESULTS

The ICAR:AR document addresses over 100 individual topics related to AR, including diagnosis, pathophysiology, epidemiology, disease burden, risk factors for the development of AR, allergy testing modalities, treatment, and other conditions/comorbidities associated with AR.

CONCLUSION

This critical review of the AR literature has identified several strengths; providers can be confident that treatment decisions are supported by rigorous studies. However, there are also substantial gaps in the AR literature. These knowledge gaps should be viewed as opportunities for improvement, as often the things that we teach and the medicine that we practice are not based on the best quality evidence. This document aims to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the AR literature to identify areas for future AR research and improved understanding.

Local allergic rhinitis: evolution of concepts

The discovery of an exclusive local production of IgE antibodies dates back to the 1970s, but only recently the pathophysiology of such phenomenon was deeply investigated, leading to the concept of local allergic rhinitis (LAR). Currently, LAR is defined by the occurrence, in patients with symptoms clearly suggesting allergic rhinitis but with negative results to common allergy testing, of allergen specific IgE in the nasal mucosa. Most studies investigating LAR were based on the development of rhinitis symptoms following nasal provocation test (NPT) with the suspected allergens, but such test may be performed by a number of options, none of them being as yet acknowledged and recommended in consensus document. On the other hand, also the mere detection of IgE in the nasal mucosa indicates, as for IgE measurement in blood or other tissues, allergic sensitization but cannot give the certainty of clinical allergy. Therefore, the combination of IgE detection in nasal mucosa and a positive result of NPT should be used to diagnose LAR. Recent data on the use for in vitro testing of molecular allergy diagnostics in place of whole allergen extracts suggest that this method could improve the sensitivity and specificity of laboratory tests, and an appraisal of the basophil activation test as a third level technique, to be implemented when the results of local IgE testing and NPT are uncertain, is currently ongoing.

Positive allergen reaction in allergic and nonallergic rhinitis: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis of allergic rhinitis (AR) is based on cutaneous and serological assessment to determine immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated disease. However, discrepancies between these tests and nasal provocation exist. Patients diagnosed as non-allergic rhinitis (NAR) but with positive nasal allergen provocation test (NAPT) may represent a local allergic condition or entopy, still suitable to allergy interventions. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of nasal reactivity toward allergens among AR and NAR patients, and to describe the diagnostic characteristics of NAPT methodologies.

METHODS

EMBASE (1947-) and Medline (1946-) were searched until December 8, 2015. A search strategy was used to identify studies on AR or NAR patients subjected to diagnostic local nasal provocation. All studies providing original NAPT data among the AR or NAR population were included. Meta-analysis of proportion data was presented as a weighted probability % (95% confidence interval [CI]).

RESULTS

The search yielded 4504 studies and 46 were included. The probability of nasal allergen reactivity for the AR population was 86.3% (95% CI, 84.4 to 88.1) and in NAR was 24.7% (95% CI, 22.3 to 27.2). Reactivity was high with pollen for both AR 97.1% (95% CI, 94.2 to 99.2) and NAR 47.5% (95% CI, 34.8 to 60.4), and lowest with dust for both AR 79.1% (95% CI, 76.4 to 81.6) and NAR 12.2% (95% CI, 9.9 to 14.7). NAPT yielded high positivity when defined by subjective end-points: AR 91.0% (95% CI, 86.6 to 94.8) and NAR 30.2% (95% CI, 22.9 to 37.9); and lower with objective end-points: AR 80.8% (95% CI, 76.8 to 84.5) and NAR 14.1% (95% CI, 11.2 to 17.2).

CONCLUSION

Local allergen reactivity is demonstrated in 26.5% of patients previously considered non-allergic. Similarly, AR, when defined by skin-prick test (SPT) or serum specific IgE (sIgE), may lead to 13.7% of patients with inaccurate allergen sensitization or non-allergic etiologies.

Local allergic rhinitis in children: Novel diagnostic features and potential biomarkers

BACKGROUND

Local allergic rhinitis (LAR) is a phenotype of rhinitis that has been poorly studied in children. It is characterized by the same symptoms of allergic rhinitis but with the absence of markers of systemic atopy.

OBJECTIVE

To identify children affected by LAR and to analyze the pathogenesis of this disease. We chose to focus our attention on interleukin (IL) and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP).

METHODS

We enrolled 20 children affected by nonallergic rhinitis (negative skin-prick test results and serum specific immunoglobulin E [sIgE] values). Each patient underwent a nasal allergen provocation test (NAPT) with dust mite and grass pollen. Before and after NAPT, nasal lavage was performed to detect sIgE, IL-5, and TSLP; anterior active rhinomanometry was used to evaluate changes in nasal obstruction.

RESULTS

Two patients were positive to a nonspecific NAPT and, thus, were excluded from the study. Of the remaining 18 children, 12 (66.7%) had positive results to at least one NAPT. Among these 12 patients, nasal sIgE levels for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, and Lolium perenne increased significantly after NAPT (D. pteronyssinus, p < 0.005; D. farinae, p < 0.05; L. perenne, p < 0.05). Nasal IL-5 levels showed a significant increase after NAPT (p ≤ 0.006), and this increase was significantly higher in children who had positive NAPT results than in those patients with negative NAPT results (p ≤ 0.03). Among the 12 children who had a positive NAPT result, nasal TSLP was detected in 4 patients (33.3%) and its levels showed a relevant increase after NAPT, even though the difference did not reach statistical significance (p ≤ 0.061).

CONCLUSION

Observed results raise the importance of better refining the diagnostic protocol for LAR in children. Nasal TSLP and IL-5 levels offer new insights concerning localized allergic inflammation, although the role of nasal sIgE has still to be clarified.

Nonallergic rhinitis and lower airway disease

In the past years, several investigators have demonstrated the existence of local nasal responses in some patients with typical allergic rhinitis symptoms but without atopy and have defined a new phenotype called local allergic rhinitis (LAR) or 'entopy'. In a percentage of LAR subjects, the upper airway disease is also associated with lower airway symptoms. After the description of this phenotype, the differential diagnosis between LAR and nonallergic rhinitis (NAR) has become a challenge for the clinician. To correctly identify LAR patients is of high importance for treatment and management of these patients, and for an appropriate inclusion of patients in clinical trials and genetics studies. The treatment of LAR patients, in contrast with NAR, is oriented to allergen avoidance and specific treatment. Allergen immunotherapy, the aetiological treatment for allergic respiratory diseases, has demonstrated to be an effective and safe treatment in LAR, increasing immunological tolerance, and reducing the clinical symptoms and the use of medication. In this article, the important and novel aspects of LAR in terms of mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment will be discussed. Also, the involvement of the lower airway and the potential role of IgE in the bronchial disease will be also reviewed.

Non-allergic rhinitis in children: Epidemiological aspects, pathological features, diagnostic methodology and clinical management

Chronic rhinitis is a very common disease, as the prevalence in the general population resulted to be 40%. Allergic rhinitis has been considered to be the most frequent form of chronic rhinitis, as non-allergic rhinitis has been estimated to account for 25%. However, several evidences suggested that non-allergic rhinitis have been underrated, especially in children. In pediatrics, the diagnostic definition of non-allergic rhinitis has been often limited to the exclusion of an allergic sensitization. Actually, local allergic rhinitis has been often misdiagnosed as well as mixed rhinitis has not been recognized in most cases. Nasal cytology is a diagnostic procedure being suitable for routine clinical practice with children and could be a very useful tool to characterize and diagnose non-allergic rhinitis, providing important clues for epidemiological analysis and clinical management.

The proportion of local allergic rhinitis to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in children

BACKGROUND

Local allergic rhinitis (LAR) is diagnosed by the positive response to nasal allergen provocation test (NAPT) to aeroallergen and/or local synthesis of specific IgE (sIgE). This entity is found in half of the adults with non-allergic rhinitis (NAR). In children, very few data of the prevalence and characteristics of LAR were reported.

METHODS

Children 8-18 years with NAR were recruited. A NAPT with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus extract (NAPT-Dp) at 200, 600, and 2000 AU/ml, respectively, at 15-min interval was performed. The immediate response was assessed using the clinical symptom score, peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF), and acoustic rhinometry (ARM). The nasal tryptase and sIgE-Dp were measured at baseline and 15 min and 1 h after a positive NAPT-Dp. Two allergic rhinitis (AR) patients were used as positive controls.

RESULTS

Fifty-four NAR children (61.1% boys) with the mean ± SD age of 11.1 ± 2.1 years were enrolled. The median duration of disease was 6.3 years. The most frequent comorbidity was asthma (38.9%). Eighty-seven percent of patients had mild persistent severity. NAPT-Dp was positive in 2/54 (3.7%) of NAR children who had increased symptom score and decreased minimal cross-sectional area (MCA) on ARM as well as PNIF. However, there was no change in the nasal tryptase and sIgE-Dp. The control AR patients had positive NAPT-Dp and increased nasal tryptase at 15 min without the change of sIgE-Dp.

CONCLUSION

LAR is an uncommon condition in children. Further investigation in a large population of children with NAR is needed.

Immunologic responses to the major allergen of Olea europaea in local and systemic allergic rhinitis subjects

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the in vivo and in vitro responses to nOle e 1 in allergic rhinitis (AR) and local allergic rhinitis (LAR) patients sensitized to olive tree pollen (OL) confirmed by nasal allergen provocation test (NAPT).

METHODS

Twelve subjects with AR, 12 with LAR and 12 subjects as control group (CG) were selected. Skin testing and NAPT with nOle e 1 were performed. Eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) and tryptase were measured in nasal lavages before and after NAPT. Serum IgE to OL allergens was measured by ELISA. Basophil activation tests (BAT) with OL and nOle e 1 and dendritic cell maturation/proliferation studies were carried out.

RESULTS

All AR (12/12) and 10/12 (83%) of LAR had a +NAPT to nOle e 1. ECP levels in nasal lavages were significantly increased after NAPT in both AR and LAR compared with CG at 15 min (P < 0.05). Serum IgE was positive only in AR. All AR had +BAT responses to OL and 10/12 to nOle e 1 (83%); 8/12 LAR (66.6%) had a +BAT to OL and 4/12 (33%) to nOle e 1, with only one subject of the CG with a +BAT to both OL and nOle e 1 (8%). Dendritic cell proliferation to nOle e 1 was increased in AR compared to LAR and CG (P = 0.019 and P = 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Both AR and LAR had a similar in vivo response to nOle e 1 with release of inflammatory mediators. Specific basophil activation with OL and nOle e 1 was observed in LAR confirming previous data obtained with dust mites.

Update on local allergic rhinitis

We here provide an update on the literature regarding local allergic rhinitis (LAR). In reviewing LAR, we have included an updated definition, classifications, mechanisms, comorbidities, and recommendations for diagnosis and treatment for LAR, as well as the defined research areas for future evidence-based studies. LAR is a localised nasal allergic response in the absence of systemic atopy characterised by local production of specific IgE (sIgE) antibodies, a TH2 pattern of mucosal cell infiltration during natural exposure to aeroallergens, and a positive nasal allergen provocation test response, with the release of inflammatory mediators. The localised allergic response of LAR is an important topic for the study of allergies. This review provides an update on the current knowledge of LAR.

Local Allergic Rhinitis

This review focuses on local allergic rhinitis, a new phenotype of allergic rhinitis, commonly misdiagnosed as nonallergic rhinitis. It has gained attention over last decade and can affect patients from all countries, ethnic groups and ages, impairing their quality of life, and is frequently associated with conjunctivitis and asthma. Diagnosis is based on clinical history, the demonstration of a positive response to nasal allergen provocation test and/or the detection of nasal sIgE. A positive basophil activation test may support the diagnosis. Recent studies have demonstrated that allergen immunotherapy is an effective immune-modifying treatment, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis.

The importance of mold sensitivity in nonallergic rhinitis patients

BACKGROUND

In recent studies, local specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) production against allergens in nasal mucosa and a positive response to a nasal allergen provocation test (NAPT) have been demonstrated in some patients initially diagnosed as nonallergic rhinitis (NAR) or idiopathic rhinitis (IR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of local allergic rhinitis (LAR) in patients who experience rhinitis symptoms in indoor and outdoor moldy conditions and to investigate the role of the NAPT in diagnosis.

METHODS

A total of 40 NAR patients with a history of persistent rhinitis and who had negative skin-prick tests (SPTs) and serum sIgE levels to common aeroallergens, as well as 20 healthy subjects were included in the study. NAPTs were performed with Aspergillus fumigatus (group 1) or a mixture of Alternaria alternata and Cladosporium herbarum extracts (group 2).

RESULTS

In patient nasal lavage fluids, tryptase and mold sIgE levels were not significantly different from the control group. NAPT with Aspergillus fumigatus was positive in 8 of 12 NAR patients (66.6%) in group 1 and NAPT with the mixture of extracts was positive in 9 of 13 NAR patients (69.2%) in group 2.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that LAR may exist in a significant number of the persistent rhinitis patients who were previously considered as NAR based on negative SPTs or serum sIgE tests. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating a nasal local allergic response to both indoor and outdoor molds.

Local allergic rhinitis: mechanisms, diagnosis and relevance for occupational rhinitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Local allergic rhinitis (LAR) is a new form of allergic rhinitis that has caused a growing interest. The possibility of an occupational equivalent (occupational rhinitis) has not been yet explored. The purpose of this review is to summarize the most relevant and recent scientific evidence on LAR and occupational rhinitis.

RECENT FINDINGS

LAR is a prevalent entity well differentiated from allergic rhinitis, affecting patients from different countries, ethnic groups and ages. Occupational rhinitis appears earlier and more frequently than occupational asthma, especially for high molecular weight substances. Diagnosis of LAR is based on nasal allergen provocation test and/or detection of nasal specific IgE, and other techniques such as basophil activation test may support the diagnosis. Skin prick tests and immunological determinations are of limited use for diagnosis of occupational rhinitis caused by low molecular weight agents. Performance of nasal allergen provocation test for confirming diagnosis of occupational rhinitis is strongly recommended. Uncommon allergens should also be investigated.

SUMMARY

The possibility of a local occupational rhinitis should be considered in workers with a clear history of occupational rhinitis and negative immunological test, especially in the case of high molecular weight allergens.

[Local allergic rhinitis to Alternaria alternata : Evidence for local IgE production exclusively in the nasal mucosa]

In a subgroup of patients with symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR), no systemic sensitization can be detected in skin tests or serum. These patients are considered to be afflicted with so-called "local allergic rhinitis" (LAR) with IgE-production exclusively at the site of the nasal mucosa. Patients without any positive allergy test results but seasonal (intermittent) or perennial (persistent) allergic symptoms were often misdiagnosed as having "non-allergic rhinitis" (NAR) in the past.However, there is evidence for a specific IgE-production in the nasal mucosa in these patients without systemic sensitization. The diagnosis of LAR is confirmed by clinical symptoms, the detection of specific IgE production in the nasal mucosa and/or nasal provocation tests.We report on two cases of LAR to Alternaria alternata with symptoms of persistent allergic rhinitis that have been diagnosed by positive allergenspecific nasal challenge tests and specific IgE determinations in nasal secretions.According to an actual literature research, this is the second report published on LAR caused by Alternaria alternata.

Local IgE in non-allergic rhinitis

Local allergic rhinitis (LAR) is characterized by the presence of a nasal Th2 inflammatory response with local production of specific IgE antibodies and a positive response to a nasal allergen provocation test (NAPT) without evidence of systemic atopy. The prevalence has been shown to be up to 25% in subjects affected with rhinitis with persistence, comorbidity and evolution similar to allergic rhinitis. LAR is a consistent entity that does not evolve to allergic rhinitis with systemic atopy over time although patients have significant impairment in quality of life and increase in the severity of nasal symptoms over time. Lower airways can be also involved. The diagnosis of LAR is based mostly on demonstration of positive response to NAPT and/or local synthesis of specific IgE. Allergens involved include seasonal or perennial such as house dusts mites, pollens, animal epithelia, moulds (alternaria) and others. Basophils from peripheral blood may be activated by the involved allergens suggesting the spill over of locally synthesized specific IgE to the circulation. LAR patients will benefit from the same treatment as allergic patients using antihistamines, inhaled corticosteroids and IgE antagonists. Studies on immunotherapy are ongoing and will determine its efficacy in LAR in terms of symptoms improvement and evolution of the natural course of the disease.

Measurement of Japanese cedar pollen-specific IgE in nasal secretions

BACKGROUND

Japanese cedar pollen (JCP) is the most common allergen for seasonal allergic rhinitis in Japan. Little is known about local production of immunoglobulin (Ig)E in people with or without Japanese cedar pollinosis. The aims of this study were to measure levels of JCP-specific IgE in nasal secretions and determine correlations with levels in serum.

METHODS

Forty-six subjects were enrolled in this study, comprising 24 symptomatic subjects, 9 asymptomatic subjects sensitized to JCP, and 13 subjects not sensitized to JCP. Nasal secretions were obtained during a period of Japanese cedar dispersal, and levels of JCP-specific IgE were measured with CAP-fluorescent enzyme immunoassay. Serum JCP-specific IgE and total IgE were also measured using the same method.

RESULTS

Among the 46 subjects enrolled, JCP-specific IgE in nasal secretions was measureable in 43 subjects. Irrespective of symptom development, sensitized subjects showed higher levels of JCP-specific IgE in nasal secretions than non-sensitized subjects. A significant moderate correlation was observed between JCP-specific IgE levels in nasal secretions and serum in all 43 subjects. With stratification by subject group, only symptomatic subjects showed a substantial correlation between JCP-specific IgE levels in nasal secretions and serum.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results imply a certain association between JCP-specific IgE in nasal secretions and sensitization of Japanese cedar pollinosis. Therefore, levels of allergen-specific IgE in nasal secretions can be used as an alternative diagnostic marker for allergic rhinitis patients.

Seeking allergy when it hides: which are the best fitting tests?

In the common practice of respiratory allergy, the confirmation by IgE tests of the relationship between the occurrence and duration of symptoms and the exposure to specific inhalant allergens allows an aetiological diagnosis. However, to see patients with suggestive history but negative IgE tests is not rare, and this generally leads to a diagnosis of nonallergic rhinitis or asthma. In many cases, such diagnosis is wrong, because the patient may be revealed as allergic by using additional testing. This is true for local allergic rhinitis, characterized by an exclusive IgE production in the nasal mucosa, that may be correctly diagnosed by performing a nasal IgE measurement or a nasal provocation test with the suspected allergen (s). Another misleading issue is the role of T cell-mediated, delayed hypersensitivity in the pathophysiology of rhinitis and asthma. Recent studies showed that in patients with rhinitis or asthma and negative IgE tests, especially when there is a positive history for current or past atopic dermatitis, the clinical symptoms are actually driven by such mechanism, that may be detected by performing an atopy patch test (APT). The allergen source most frequently responsible for this kind of allergy is the house dust mite, but other allergens may also be involved. Thus, before delivering a diagnosis of nonallergic rhinitis or asthma in patients with negative result to common allergy testing, further tests are needed. To miss the diagnosis of allergy has obvious consequences in terms of management, including allergen avoidance, patient's education, and specific immunotherapy.

Current and future directions in pediatric allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common pediatric problem that significantly affects sleep, learning, performance, and quality of life. In addition, it is associated with significant comorbidities and complications.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to provide an update on the epidemiology, comorbidities, pathophysiology, current treatment, and future direction of pediatric AR.

METHODS

Literature reviews in each of these areas were conducted, and the results were incorporated.

RESULTS

The prevalence of AR is increasing in the pediatric population and is associated with significant morbidity, comorbidities, and complications. The mainstay of current treatment strategies includes allergen avoidance, pharmacotherapy, and allergen specific immunotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

In the future, diagnosis will be improved by microarrayed recombinant allergen testing and therapy will be expanded to include emerging treatments such as sublingual immunotherapy and combination products.