The role and choice criteria of antihistamines in allergy management – Expert opinion

Abstract

A b s t r a c tAllergic diseases are the most common chronic conditions lasting throughout the patient's life. They not only cause significant deterioration in the quality of life of patients but also lead to significant absenteeism and reduced productivity, resulting in very high costs for society. Effective and safe treatment of allergic diseases is therefore one of the main challenges for public health and should be carried out by all the specialists in family medicine, internists and paediatricians in collaboration with allergists, otorhinolaryngologists and dermatologists. Antihistamines are most commonly used in the treatment of allergies. Several dozen drugs are available on the pharmaceutical market, and their generic forms are advertised widely as very effective drugs for the treatment of allergic diseases. What is the truth? What are the data from clinical trials and observational studies? Are all drugs equally effective and safe for the patient? According to a panel of experts representing various fields of medicine, inappropriate treatment of allergies can be very risky for patients, and seemingly equally acting medications may differ greatly. Therefore, a panel of experts gathered the latest data from the entire scientific literature and analysed the latest standards and recommendations prepared by scientific societies. This paper provides a summary of these studies and highlights the importance for the patient of the proper choice of drug to treat his allergies.Key words: antihistamines, bilastin, allergic rhinitis, urticaria, allergy. Which antihistamines should be chosen according to current standards and recommendations?In the last few decades the incidence of allergic diseases has grown to epidemic status. According to the current data, more than 600 million people suffer from allergic rhinitis worldwide, approximately 25% of them in Europe. In the ECAP trial (Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland) as many as 30% of respondents reported allergic rhinitis, less than 7% mentioned urticaria, but over 40% of patients had positive skin tests with common inhaled allergens (e.g. plant pollen, dust mites, mould and animal hair). Despite this huge number of patients, these data are frequently underestimated, since allergic diseases are generally believed to be trivial and non-hazardous. However, it has already been proven that allergic rhinitis, asthma and urticaria are associated with a significant socioeconomic burden all over the world -regardless of region, development level and financial status. The total cost of allergic diseases brings both reduced quality of life and also direct costs of drugs and health services as well as indirect social costs such as the absence from work; it also decreases productivity and concentration and generates learning disorders and

Effect of Aromatherapy on Uremic Pruritus among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

“…The current study coincides with [35] who reported that more than half take anti histaminic drugs intravenous. Another study done by [36] reported that majority of study participants take antihistaminic drugs intravenously.…”

Effects of ectoine containing nasal spray and eye drops on symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis

“…Despite the vast number of drug‐based treatments available for seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC), 1 patient dissatisfaction is still an issue. This is partially due to the available medications which do not control the signs and symptoms adequately enough to match the patients' needs, 2‐5 or because the drugs can induce deleterious side effects 6‐9 …”

Pharmacokinetics and Safety of a Bilastine Once-Daily, Preservative-Free, Ophthalmic Formulation

“…Current treatments for allergic conjunctivitis aim to control and relieve the symptoms and include systemic or topical antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, dual-action agents, anti-inflammatories and corticosteroids [3]. Systemic antihistamines are especially recommended in the presence of other allergic comorbidities [4,5]. Topical antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers are usually well tolerated and reduce symptoms and signs of allergic conjunctivitis, but there are limited data on their long-term efficacy [6].…”