Cochrane corner: Intranasal corticosteroids for non‐allergic rhinitis

Abstract

Chronic rhinitis, manifesting as sneezing, nasal itching, congestion and rhinorrhoea, is a global health problem affecting up to 40% of the population. 1 A quarter to a half of patients with chronic rhinitis have non-allergic rhinitis (NAR), defined as persistent symptoms of rhinitis with no obvious allergic, infectious or anatomical cause. 2,3 The treatment options include avoidance of known triggers, medication and surgery. A number of medications are used to treat NAR; however, the role and benefit of individual medications in this multifaceted disease are poorly understood.This review focuses on the use of intranasal corticosteroids for treating NAR and compares it to other medications or no treatment.