International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG) Guidelines: Management of allergic rhinitis

Abstract

The association between the upper and lower airways has been recognised for almost 2000 years. Epidemiological data suggest that most asthma patients also suffer from allergic rhinitis, and that both diseases share similar trigger factors and pathophysiology. This IPCRG Guideline on the management of rhinitis in primary care is fully consistent with the ARIA guidelines. It highlights the treatment goals and the classification of the condition according to symptom frequency (intermittent or persistent) and severity (mild or moderate-severe). It covers the need for allergen avoidance, pharmacologic therapy including immunotherapy, alternative therapies, management of ocular symptoms, the management of co-existing allergic rhinitis and asthma, and the need for follow-up and ongoing care for patients with rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis-induced nasal congestion: its impact on sleep quality

“…13 Consequently, many of the sequelae of AR, such as fatigue, decreased cognitive functioning and work performance, and reduced QOL, may be caused or worsened by AR-related sleep impairment. [14][15][16][17] The importance of ARrelated sleep impairment is acknowledged in both the International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG) guidelines for the management of AR 18 and in the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines, 2 in which the presence of abnormal sleep is one of the factors that reclassifies the severity of AR from mild to moderate/severe. The achievement of unimpaired sleep, therefore, is a primary goal of AR treatment.…”

The International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG) Research Needs Statement 2010

“…55 Guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations to inform the management of allergic rhinitis under the headings 'allergen avoidance', 'pharmacological treatment', and 'specific immunotherapy'. 55,[109][110][111] Allergen avoidance can be effective for reducing the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, [112][113][114][115] though single interventions may be insufficient to control symptoms. 116 Non pharmacological measures with some efficacy include saline douches, 55,117-120 rhinophototherapy, 121 nasal filters, 122 pollen-blocker creams, 123 or cellulose powder.…”

International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG) Guidelines: Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

“…It is consistent with the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines [2], which we recommend should be consulted if a more detailed perspective is required. In addition to this section on COPD, the IPCRG guidelines consist of papers on the diagnosis of chronic respiratory diseases in primary care [3], and the management of asthma [4] and rhinitis [5]. For the specific purpose of ranking the evidence in each of these publications, we have used the so-called Three Star System of the Royal College of General Practitioners [6] in order to score the evidence of the statements made (see box).…”