International consensus statement on allergy and rhinology: allergic rhinitis-executive summary

Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2018 Feb;8(2):85-107. doi: 10.1002/alr.22070.

Abstract

Background: The available allergic rhinitis (AR) literature continues to grow. Critical evaluation and understanding of this literature is important to appropriately utilize this knowledge in the care of AR patients. The International Consensus statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Allergic Rhinitis (ICAR:AR) has been produced as a multidisciplinary international effort. This Executive Summary highlights and summarizes the findings of the comprehensive ICAR:AR document.

Methods: The ICAR:AR document was produced 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: Over 100 individual topics related to AR diagnosis, pathophysiology, epidemiology, disease burden, risk factors, allergy testing modalities, treatment, and other conditions/comorbidities associated with AR were addressed in the comprehensive ICAR:AR document. Herein, the Executive Summary provides a synopsis of these findings.

Conclusion: In the ICAR:AR critical review of the literature, several strengths were identified. In addition, significant knowledge gaps exist in the AR literature where current practice is not based on the best quality evidence; these should be seen as opportunities for additional research. The ICAR:AR document evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the AR literature. This Executive Summary condenses these findings into a short summary. The reader is also encouraged to consult the comprehensive ICAR:AR document for a thorough description of this work.

Keywords: allergic rhinitis; allergy immunotherapy; evidence-based medicine; immunotherapy; rhinitis.

Publication types

  • Consensus Development Conference
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Allergens / analysis
  • Biological Products / therapeutic use
  • Complementary Therapies / methods
  • Cost of Illness
  • Costs and Cost Analysis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drug Combinations
  • Drug Costs
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Endoscopy / methods
  • Environmental Exposure / prevention & control
  • Histamine Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / methods
  • Medical History Taking / methods
  • Nasal Decongestants / therapeutic use
  • Physical Examination / methods
  • Plant Preparations / therapeutic use
  • Probiotics / therapeutic use
  • Quality of Life
  • Respiratory System Agents / therapeutic use
  • Rhinitis, Allergic / diagnosis*
  • Rhinitis, Allergic / etiology
  • Rhinitis, Allergic / therapy
  • Risk Factors
  • Saline Solution / therapeutic use
  • Skin Tests
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / etiology

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Allergens
  • Biological Products
  • Drug Combinations
  • Histamine Antagonists
  • Nasal Decongestants
  • Plant Preparations
  • Respiratory System Agents
  • Saline Solution