1. Long-term antihistamine therapy revisited.
- Author
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Smith, Natasha and Schellack, Natalie
- Subjects
- *
ANTIHISTAMINES , *ALLERGY treatment , *ANTI-inflammatory agents , *HISTAMINE , *HAY fever treatment , *SINUSITIS treatment , *ATOPIC dermatitis treatment , *THERAPEUTICS - Abstract
Allergic diseases are increasing all over the world, now affecting up to 40% of the population. The most frequently occurring allergic conditions include allergic rhinitis (hay fever), chronic sinusitis, atopic dermatitis, and chronic urticaria. The literature suggests that second-generation histamine 1 (H1) antihistamines are the preferred first-line therapy for most chronic allergic conditions, including allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria. Patients taking these antihistamines report little to no adverse effects with long-term continuous treatment. Second-generation H1-antihistamines have been shown to exert an anti-inflammatory effect, and continuous administration may improve their efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015