Allergic rhinitis

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a global health problem and patients from all countries, ethnic and socioeconomic groups and ages suffer from it. AR a ects social life, sleep, school and work performance and its economic impact is substantial.^1-4 Although in over 60% of cases the first line of help for allergic patients is the pharmacy,⁵ patients may seek advice from the nurse practitioner. Given the varied population of patients affected, treatment needs to be individually tailored and should be selected based both on the efficacy and safety of the agent, so as to provide the greatest symptomatic relief, and with the least potential for harm.⁶