Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma - Royal Children's Hospital
Transcript of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma - Royal Children's Hospital
Department of Allergy and Immunology
Allergic Rhinitis and
Asthma
Dean Tey
Paediatric Allergist & Immunologist
Royal Children’s Hospital
FRACP LECTURE 2014
Department of Allergy and Immunology
Allergic rhinitis
1. Background
2. Types of rhinitis
3. Pathophysiology
4. Classification
5. Clinical assessment
6. Investigations
7. Management
Department of Allergy and Immunology
Allergic rhinitis
1. Background
2. Types of rhinitis
3. Pathophysiology
4. Classification
5. Clinical assessment
6. Investigations
7. Management
Department of Allergy and Immunology
Beasley et al. Worldwide variation in prevalence of symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and atopic eczema: ISAAC. The International Study of
Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Steering Committee. Lancet 351 (9111):1225-32, 1998.
Department of Allergy and Immunology
1. Beasley et al. The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Steering Committee. Lancet 351 (9111):1225-32, 1998.
2. The economic impact of allergic disease in Australia: not to be sneezed at. Access Economics for ASCIA, 2007.
http://www.allergy.org.au/images/stories/pospapers/2007_economic_impact_allergies_report_13nov.pdf . Accessed 6 November 2010.
AR1,2
● Rank #7
● M 15.6%
● F 16.6%
● Dominant
allergy in
25-34yo
Asthma1,2
● Rank #3
● M 7.8%
● F 9.6%
● Dominant
allergy in
<14yo
Department of Allergy and Immunology
Gupta, R., A. Sheikh, et al. (2007). "Time trends in allergic disorders in the UK." Thorax
62(1): 91-6.
UK Serial health surveys●Lifetime prevalence of AR and eczema trebled over
last 3 decades
●Rate of increase declined since the latter part of
1990’s
Department of Allergy and Immunology
Allergic rhinitis
1. Background
2. Types of rhinitis
3. Pathophysiology
4. Classification
5. Clinical assessment
6. Investigations
7. Management
Department of Allergy and Immunology
A. Allergic rhinitis (50-70%)
B. Occupational
C. Non-allergic rhinitis
1. Infectious – viral, bacterial, other
2. Drug-induced
Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease
Rhinitis medicamentosa
4. Non-allergic rhinitis with eosinophillia syndrome (NARES)
• Perennial symptoms, >20% eosinophils on nasal smears
5. Idiopathic/vasomotor
● Tobacco smoke, strong odours, changes in temperature and humidity,
exercise, undetermined
6. Other
Hormonal, food, atrophic
Types of Rhinitis
1. Wallace et al. JACI 2008; 122: S1-84.2. Bousquet et al. ARIA 2008. Allergy 2008; 63 (Sup 86): 8-1603. Kemp et al. Australian Family Physician 2008; 37 (4): 214-220
Department of Allergy and ImmunologyDifferential Diagnosis
1. Nasal polyps
2. Structural/mechanical factors Choanal atresia
Cleft palate
Deviated septum/septal wall defects
Adenoidal hypertrophy
Trauma
Nasal tumors
Foreign body
Pharyngonasal reflux
Acromegaly (excess growth hormone)
3. Cerebospinal fluid rhinorrhoea
4. Ciliary dyskinesia syndrome
Wallace et al. JACI 2008; 122: S1-84.
Department of Allergy and Immunology
Allergic rhinitis
1. Background
2. Types of rhinitis
3. Pathophysiology
4. Classification
5. Clinical assessment
6. Investigations
7. Management
Department of Allergy and Immunology
1. Holgate ST et al. Treatment strategies for allergy and asthma. Nat Rev
Immunol 2008 Mar;8(3):218-310.
Department of Allergy and Immunology
Pathophysiology of AR
1. Immediate response to allergen
Due to mediators of mast cell degranulation
Symptoms – sneezing, watery nose, itch
2. Delayed response to allergen
Due to invasion of inflammatory cells (eosinophils
etc)
Symptoms – as above plus nasal congestion
Department of Allergy and Immunology
AR and Asthma
Prevalence
Of patients without rhinitis, asthma prevalence is <2%1
AR independently increases the risk of developing asthma by 2-3 times4,5
Compared to subjects with asthma alone, adults and children with asthma and AR:6-11
Have ↑ asthma-related hospitalisations
Have ↑ GP visits
Incur higher asthma drug costs
Have ↑ absence from work and decreased productivity
1. Bousquet et al. ARIA 2008. Allergy 2008; 63: 8-160
2. Sibblad et al. Thorax 1991; 46: 895-901.
3. Leynaert et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999; 104: 301-4
4. Wright et al. Pediatrics 1994;94:895–901.
5. Settipane et al. Allergy Asthma Proc 2000;21:221-5
6. Bousquet et al. Clin Exp Allergy 2005;35:723–727.
7. Price et al. Clin Exp Allergy 2005;35:282–287.
8. Sazonov Kocevar et al. Allergy 2005;60:338–342.
9. Thomas et al. Pediatrics 2005;115:129–134.
10.Gaugris et al. J Asthma 2006;43:1–7.
11.Sole et al. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2005;16:121–125.
Allergic rhinitis10-40% have asthma1
Asthma75% have AR 2,3
Department of Allergy and Immunology
Allergic rhinitis
1. Background
2. Types of rhinitis
3. Pathophysiology
4. Classification
5. Clinical assessment
6. Investigations
7. Management
Department of Allergy and Immunology
Classification 1 of 2
Time of exposure
1. Seasonal (outdoor allergens) Tree pollens: Late winter/early spring
Grass pollens:
Northern coastal areas: Jan/Feb/Mar
Southern coastal areas: Oct/Nov/Dec
Weed pollens: August to May
2. Perennial (indoor allergens) Dust mite, pet dander, moulds, cockroach
3. Occupational
1. Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). www.allergy.org.au
2. Bousquet et al. ARIA 2008. Allergy 2008: 63 (Sup 86): 8-160
Department of Allergy and Immunology
Problems with this classification
1. Bousquet et al. ARIA 2008. Allergy 2008: 63 (Sup 86): 8-160
Classification 1 of 2
Time of exposure
Polysensitised
(majority)
Varies with allergen
exposure
Monosensitised
HDMIntermittent
symptoms
PollensPerennial
symptoms
Non-specific irritants
Department of Allergy and Immunology
Intermittent<4 days/week
OR
<4 consecutive weeks/year
Persistent>4 days/week
AND
>4 consecutive weeks/year
1. Bousquet et al. ARIA 2008. Allergy 2008: 63 (Sup 86): 8-160
Classification 2 of 2
ARIA Guidelines
Moderate or Severe(1 or more of below)
1. Sleep disturbance
2. Impairment of daily activities,
leisure and/or sport
3. Impairment of school or work
4. Troublesome symptoms
Mild
1. No sleep disturbance
2. No impairment of daily activities,
leisure and/or sport
3. No impairment of school or work
4. No troublesome symptoms
Department of Allergy and Immunology
Allergic rhinitis
1. Background
2. Types of rhinitis
3. Pathophysiology
4. Classification
5. Clinical assessment
6. Investigations
7. Management
Department of Allergy and Immunology
History
• Symptom timing &
frequency
Seasonal vs perennial
Days/week, weeks/year
Triggers by pets,
chemicals
• Symptom severity
Troublesome
symptoms
Sleep disturbance
Functional impact on
daytime functioning,
school or work
• Asthma
Nasal symptoms• Sneezing, itchy nose, itchy
palate
• Rhinorrhoea, nasal
obstruction
• Colour: clear, purulent or
blood-tinged
• Unilateral or bilateral
• Mouth breathing,
snoring, nasal voice,
anosmia
Eye symptoms• Intense itching, hyperaemia,
watering, chemosis,
perioribital oedema
Scadding et al. BSACI guidelines for the management of allergic and non-
allergic rhinitis. Clin Exp All 2008;38:19-42.
Department of Allergy and Immunology
1. Photo courtesy UpToDate
2. http://www.drrahmatorlummc.com/rhinitisallergy.htm (Accessed
8/4/2013)
Department of Allergy and Immunology
Nose *Pale, oedematous nasal turbinate
mucosa
Excoriation of external nares
Allergic salute
Transverse nasal crease
Eyes Allergic shiners (SC venodilatation)
Dennie-Morgan lines (accentuated folds below lower eyelids)
Mouth High arched palate, mouth breathing
Dental malocclusion
AR - Examination
Department of Allergy and Immunology
Allergic rhinitis
1. Background
2. Types of rhinitis
3. Pathophysiology
4. Classification
5. Clinical assessment
6. Investigations
7. Management
Department of Allergy and ImmunologySkin prick testing
Allergen scratched on
back or forearm
Measure wheal at 15
minutes
Average of 2
perpendicular diameters
Result given in millimetres
E.g. 20 mm x 10 mm = 15
mm
Control
Histamine
Negative
1. Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) (2008). Skin prick
testing for the diagnosis of allergic disease: A manual for practitioners.
Department of Allergy and ImmunologySPT vs sIgE
SPT sIgE
Minor scratch with itch only
Results visible/compelling
Not affected by antihistamines
Results are instant within 20 minutes Can be performed despite eczema
flare
Most allergens can be tested for,
including fresh food prick testing for
fruits and vegetables
Widely available
Small risk of systemic allergic
reaction
No risk of systemic allergic reaction
Department of Allergy and Immunology
Allergic rhinitis
1. Background
2. Types of rhinitis
3. Pathophysiology
4. Classification
5. Clinical assessment
6. Investigations
7. Management
Department of Allergy and Immunology
Management of allergic rhinitis
Allergen
avoidance
Pharmaco-
therapy
Immuno-
therapy
Department of Allergy and Immunology
Management of allergic rhinitis
Allergen
avoidance
Pharmaco-
therapy
Immuno-
therapy
Department of Allergy and Immunology
● HDM allergen is contained within its body
parts and faecal particles
● Relatively large allergen particle 10-30um
● Remain airborne for short period (20-30 min)
● HDM feed on skin flakes contained within
dust
● Mites infest fabrics (bedding)
● Greatest exposure usually in sleep
1a House dust mite avoidance
Department of Allergy and Immunology
Current RCH advice1. HDM encasements – pillow, mattress & doona
2. Remove sheepskin or woollen underlay
3. Remove reservoirs (toys, clothing, furnishings)
4. Remove drapes
5. Every week Wash all bed linen in hot water (>55oC kills HDM)
Vacuum carpet
Damp dust
?Acaricide sprays
?Dehumidifiers & air-filter devices
1a House dust mite avoidance
Department of Allergy and Immunology
Sheikh et al. HDM avoidance for perennial allergic rhinitis. 2010
●Only 2 of 7 trials were of good quality (investigated mite impermeable bedding)
● No significant difference between treatment and placebo groups
●Authors’s conclusion
● Acaricide sprays and extensive bedroom based environmental control programmes may be of some benefit in reducing rhinitis symptoms
● HDM impermeable bedding used in isolation is unlikely to be beneficial
HDM avoidance measures
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Gøtzsche PC, Johansen HK. HDM
avoidance for asthma.
●55 randomised trials and 3121 patients
● Physical methods (n=37)
● Mattress encasings
(n=26)
● Chemical methods (n=10)
● Physical & chemical methods
(n=8)
●Author’s conclusion
● “No effect of the interventions
were found”
● “Chemical and physical methods
aimed at reducing exposure to
HDM allergens cannot be
recommended”
Department of Allergy and Immunology
● Criticisms● No subgroup analysis was performed on methods whereby actual
reduction of HDM levels was achieved
● Dust mite reduction achieved in only 17 of 54 trials
● Dust mite reduction unsuccessful in 24 of 54 trials
● Not measured/reported in 13 of 54 trials
● This is relevant given the large range of methods employed to
reduce dust mite
● Physical methods: 16 different methods
● Chemical methods: 6 different methods
1. Kopp et al. Allergy 2009;64:187-188.
Gøtzsche PC, Johansen HK.
House dust mite control measures for asthma.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 2.
Department of Allergy and Immunology
1. Outdoors Avoid activities with high exposure to pollens
Avoid going outdoors before midday, on windy days or after thunderstorms
Avoid mowing the lawn (wear mask if unavoidable)
Wear sun glasses
Shower after arriving home and irrigate eyes with wet washer
2. Home Keep windows closed
Remove weeds or trees outside the bedroom if particular sensitivities are known.
3. Car Keep windows closed
Use recirculating air-conditioning where possible
Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). www.allergy.org.au
1b Pollen avoidance
Department of Allergy and Immunology
● Dogs
● Major allergen: Can f 1
● Principally found in dog’s fur. Also
saliva, skin and urine.
● Cats
● Major allergen: Fel d 1
● Principal source of allergen are
sebaceous glands, saliva and peri-
anal glands
● Fel d 1 is transported in the air by
particles <2.5μm and can remain
airborne for long periods
Bousquet et al. ARIA 2008. Allergy 2008: 63 (Sup 86): 8-160
1c Pet avoidance
Department of Allergy and Immunology
1. Bousquet et al. ARIA 2008. Allergy 2008:63(Sup 86):8-160
2. Custovic et al. Allergy 2005; 60: 1112-1115.
Department of Allergy and Immunology
Management of allergic rhinitis
Allergen
avoidance
Pharmaco-
therapy
Immuno-
therapy
Department of Allergy and Immunology
2. Pharmacotherapy
Intermittent AR
Sneezing, Itching
Minimal drainage
Persistent AR
Congestion, Drainage
+/- Sneezing, Itching
Oral Antihistamine
+/- Saline spray
Nasal Corticosteroid
Antihistamine prn
Nasal Corticosteroid
+ Regular Antihistamine
+ Saline Spray
Immunotherapy
If Mild/Mod/No Asthma
Department of Allergy and Immunology
● Mechanism
● Blocks H1 receptor
● Effective against symptoms mediated by histamine
● Rhinorrhoea, sneezing, nasal itching and eye
symptoms
● Less effective against nasal congestion
● Paediatric suspensions● Cetirizine (Zyrtec) >12mo
● Loratidine (Claratyne) >12mo
● Desloratadine (Aerius) > 12mo; >6mo for hives
Bousquet et al. ARIA 2008. Allergy 2008: 63 (Sup 86): 8-160
2a. Antihistamines
Department of Allergy and Immunology
Classification of H1-antihistamines
1. Simons FER. Advances in H1-Antihistamines. NEJM
2004;351:2203-17.
Department of Allergy and Immunology
1st Generation
H1-Antihistamines
2nd Generation
H1- Antihistamines
Dosing Usually 3-4x/day Usually 1-2x/day
Crossing
BBB
Yes: lipophilicity, low
molecular weight, not
recognised by P-glycoprotein
efflux pump
No: lipophobicity, high molecular
weight, recognised by P-
glycoprotein efflux pump
H receptors
selectivity
Frequently interact with
muscarinic, α-adrenergic and
serotonergic receptors
Highly selective for histamine
receptor
Side effects Potential side effects:
SLUD, sedation, hyperactivity,
insomnia, convulsions
No clinically relevant side effects
DB PC RCT
in children
None Some
Toxicity Case reports are published
regularly
No reports of serious toxicity
Lethality Identified in infants/young
children
Not reported to cause fatality in
overdose
1. de Benedictis et al. New oral H1 antihistamines in children: facts
and unmet needs. Allergy 2008;63:1395-1404.
Department of Allergy and Immunology
Death from antihistamines
Clinical presentation overdosage
Adolescents and adults: CNS depression, somonolence and coma
Infants: hallucination, agitation, confusion, convulsion coma
Diphenhydramine OD evidence-based guideline in US
2nd generation antihistamines –no reported deaths with overdose
Medicines and Healthcare product Regulatory Agency (UK)
March 2008: cough & cold medications containing certain ingredients (including 1st generation AH) should not be given to children < 2yo
February 2009: not to be used in children < 6yo
Reported
> 3000 subjects with adverse reactions
Deaths from diphenydramine (n=27) and chlorpheniramine (n=11)
1. Church et al. Allergy 2010;65:459-466
Department of Allergy and Immunology
Intranasal Antihistamines
Widely used as first line therapy In USA SAR: Azelastine (Azep) and olopatadine
PAR: Azelastine (Azep)
Potentially advantageous Directly target inflamed mucosa
Faster onset of action
Less side effects
Efficacy Lower NNT compared to oral antihistamines
For congestion, may be better than oral antihistamines, and possibly as effective as intranasal steroids
May potentially have benefit as add-on treatment to intranasal steroids (no further benefit with add-on oral antihistamines)
1. Chipps et al. JACI 2011 (In press)
Department of Allergy and Immunology
● Mechanism● Acts by suppressing inflammation at multiple points in
the inflammatory cascade1
● High concentrations can be achieved at the nasal mucosa receptor sites with minimal systemic side effects2
● Efficacy● The most efficacious drug available for both allergic
and non-allergic rhinitis2
● Effective against both nasal congestion and ocular symptoms2
● Meta-analysis shows intranasal steroids are superior to antihistamines3,4
1. Fokkens et al. Am J Rhino 1998; 98: 742-31.
2. Bousquet et al. ARIA 2008. Allergy 2008: 63 (Sup 86): 8-160
3. Yanez et al. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2002; 89: 479-84
4. Weiner et al. BMJ 1998; 317: 1624-9
2b. Intranasal Steroids
Department of Allergy and Immunology
● Over-the-counter● Budesonide (Rhinocort acqueous) 32 mcg
● Fluticasone propionate (Beconase Allergy & Hayfever 24) 50 mcg
● Prescription only● Budesonide (Rhinocort) 64 mcg
● Mometasone (Nasonex) 50 mcg
● Fluticasone furoate (Avamys) 27.5 mcg
● Ciclesonide (Omnaris) 50 mcg
● Onset of action ● 7-8 hours after dosing, but maximum efficacy takes up to 2
weeks
● (Mometasone >) Budesonide > Fluticasone
Bousquet et al. ARIA 2008. Allergy 2008: 63 (Sup 86): 8-160
2b. Intranasal Steroids
Department of Allergy and Immunology
SteroidAge
(n)
Daily
doseDuration Outcome
Beclomethasone1 6-9 yo
(n=100)336mcg 1 year
Mean change in height was 1cm
lower than placebo (5.0cm vs
5.9cm).
No effect on HPA axis.
Mometasone2 3-9 yo
(n=98)
100mcg
(2 sprays)1 year
No growth suppression.
No effect on HPA axis.
Budesonide3 5-15 yo
(n=78)
256 mcg
(4 sprays)1 year
(n=43)400 mcg
(6 sprays)
6 months
further
Fluticasone4 3.5-9yo
(n=150)
200 mcg
(4 sprays)1 year
1. Skoner et al. Pediatrics 2000;105(2):E23
2. Schenkel et al. Pediatrics 2000;105(2):E22
3. Moller et al. Clin Exp All 2003;33:816-822
4. Allen et al. Allergy Asthma Proc 2002;23(6):407-13.
5. Kemp et al. Australian Family Physician 2008; 37 (4): 214-220
6. Scadding et al. Clin Exp All 2008; 38: 19-42.
2b. Intranasal Steroids
Local side effects5,6
Dryness, nasal irritation, sorethroat (10% of users)
Epistaxis due to spraying onto Little’s area – emphasise correct technique
Department of Allergy and Immunology
1. Scadding et al. BSACI guidelines for the management of allergic
and non-allergic rhinitis. Clin Exp All 2008; 38: 19-42.
2b. Intranasal Steroids
Department of Allergy and Immunology
1. Scadding et al. BSACI guidelines for the management of allergic
and non-allergic rhinitis. Clin Exp All 2008; 38: 19-42.
2b. Intranasal Steroids
Department of Allergy and Immunology
● Saline irrigation1
● Use prior to intranasal corticosteroids
● Useful in clearing mucous and improving ciliary function
● Decongestants (topical/oral) 2,3
Intranasal: Alpha1-agonist (ephedrine) and alpha2-agonist
(xylometazoline) are sympathomimetics that increase nasal
vasoconstriction effective for nasal obstruction in both AR
and non-AR
Oral: Pseudoephedrine weakly effective in reducing nasal
obstruction. Not generally recommended.
Does not improve sneezing, nasal itching or rhinorrhoea
Prolonged use (> 10 days) may lead to tachyphylaxis and
rebound swelling of the nasal mucosa (rhinitis medicaentosa)
1. Kemp et al. Australian Family Physician 2008; 37 (4): 214-220
2. Bousquet et al. ARIA 2008. Allergy 2008: 63 (Sup 86): 8-160
3. Scadding et al. Clin Exp All. 2008; 38: 19-42.
2b. Intranasal Steroids
Department of Allergy and Immunology
Does treatment of AR improve asthma
symptoms and control?
Department of Allergy and Immunology
Taramarcaz P, Gibson PG. Intranasal corticosteroids for asthma control in
people with coexisting asthma and rhinitis. Cochrane Database of
Systematic Reviews 2003, Issue 3. [SB/DBPCRT]
● 14 SB/DBPRCTs involving 477 subjects
● Meta-analysis did not show statistically significant
benefit
● However, INCS treatment favoured a beneficial
effect on
● Asthma symptom scores
• SMD 0.61, 95% CI -0.04 to 1.26, p=0.07) in 2 parallel studies
● FEV1
• SMD 0.31, 95% CI -0.04 to 0.65, p=0.08) in 5 parallel studies
Department of Allergy and Immunology
1. Adapted from Adams et al. JACI 2002; 109:636-42.
2. Adapted from Crystal-Peters et al. JACI 2002; 109:57-62.
Treatment of allergic rhinitis decreases
asthma-related events
Relative risk and incidence density ratio of asthma-related
events (hospitalisation or ED visits) for patients with
asthma who were receiving treatment for allergic rhinitis
*Cetirizine, diphenhydramine, fexofenadine, hydroxyzine, loratadine †Treatment includes INCS and sedating or nonsedating antihistamines
Department of Allergy and Immunology
● Leukotriene receptor antagonists1,2
● More effective than placebo, equivalent to oral antihistamines,
but inferior to nasal steroids
● Cromones1,2
● Inhibit the degranulation of sensitised mast cells
● Weakly effective in rhinitis
● Anticholinergics1,2
● Topical ipratropium bromide (Atrovent 21 mcg); needs to be
used 3x/day
● Decreases rhinorrhoea (useful if predominant symptom)
1. Bousquet et al. ARIA 2008. Allergy 2008: 63 (Sup 86): 8-160
2. Scadding et al. Clin Exp All. 2008; 38: 19-42.
2c. Other medications
Department of Allergy and Immunology
Management of allergic rhinitis
Allergen
avoidance
Pharmaco-
therapy
Immuno-
therapy
Department of Allergy and Immunology
● What is it?
● First introduced by Noon and Freeman (1911) for
“airborne toxins” using grass-pollen extracts at St
Mary’s Hospital, London1
● Gradual administration of increasing quantities of an
allergen extract to an allergic subject 2
● This ameliorates the symptoms associated with
subsequent exposure to the causative allergen2
1. Noon L. Lancet 1911;i:1572-3
2. Bousquet et al. ARIA 2008. Allergy 2008: 63 (Sup 86): 8-160
3. Immunotherapy
Department of Allergy and Immunology
1. Holgate ST et al. Treatment strategies for allergy and asthma. Nat Rev
Immunol 2008 Mar;8(3):218-310.
Department of Allergy and Immunology
1. Akdis M et al. Therapuetic manipulation of immune tolerance in allergic
disease. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2009;8(8):645-50.
Department of Allergy and Immunology
1. Holgate ST et al. Treatment strategies for allergy and asthma. Nat Rev
Immunol 2008 Mar;8(3):218-310.
• ↓ Allergen sIgE
• ↑ Blocking antibodies IgG1, IgG4,IgA
1. ↓ Tissue numbers
2. ↓ Mediator release
• Shift from TH2 TH1
cytokines
• ↑ Treg cells, IL-10 and TGF-
beta
↑IL-10 production
Department of Allergy and Immunology
SCIT SLIT
Administration Subcutaneous injections Drops/tablets held for 2 minutes
Setting Doctor’s office Home
Updosing12-16 weeks (weekly
injections)11 days (daily drops)
Maintenance 4-weekly doses 3x/week or daily doses
Cost ~$250-$300/allergen/year ~ $600-$750/allergen/year
Systemic AE 0.05-3.2% of doses1 0.06% of doses
Fatalities 1 in 2-2.5 million doses2-4 None reported
Efficacy
Beneficial for adults with AR
and asthma. Inconclusive for
children (few trials)5-7
Beneficial for AR in adults and
children (recent metanalyses) 8-
10; HDM SLIT not
recommended for children11
3. Immunotherapy
1. Stewart et al. JACI 1992;90:567-568. 2. Reid et al. JACI 1993;92:6-15. 3. Lockey et al. JACI 1987;79:660-677. 4. Bernstein et
al. JACI 2004;113:1129-1136. 5. Caledron et al. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 1. 6. Abramson et al.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2003, Issue 4. 7. Roder et al. Pediatric Allergy and Immunology 2008;19:197-207. 8.
Wilson et al. Cochrane 2003;(2):CD002893. 9. Calamita et al. Allergy 2006;61:1162-72. 10. Penagos et al. Ann Allergy Asthma
Immunol 2006;97:141-8. 11. Brozek et al. JACI 2010;;126:466-766.
Department of Allergy and Immunology
● Eligibility
Clinical history of allergy
Documented allergen-
specific sensitisation
Allergen used for
immunotherapy must be
clinically relevant to
clinical history
Poor response to
pharmacotherapy
● Contraindications
● Unstable/severe
asthma
● Concomitant illness
● Pregnancy
● Beta-blocker
treatment
● Poor adherence
1. Bousquet et al. ARIA 2008. Allergy 2008: 63 (Sup 86): 8-160
3. Immunotherapy
Department of Allergy and ImmunologyImpact on natural history
● Prevention of new sensitisation1
511 patients randomly allocated to SLIT or drugs alone
SLIT given for mites, grass or trees
3 years later, new sensitisations appeared in 38% of controls,
versus 5.9% of SLIT patients (p <0.001)
● Long-lasting effect2
60 children with HDM asthma/rhinitis: 35 SLIT 4-5y, 25 control
SLIT group had significant difference compared to baseline for
presence of asthma (P <0.001), compared to no difference for
control
Difference was present 5 years after SLIT discontinuation
1. Marogna et al. Allergy 2004;59:1205-1210.
2. Di Rienzo et al. Clin Exp Allergy 2003;33:206-210.
Department of Allergy and Immunology
Summary
● Allergic rhinitis
Consider allergic and non-allergic causes
Inspect the nose for nasal turbinate oedema
Patients with mild/intermittent AR can be treated
with second generation oral H1-antihistamines
Patients with moderate/severe/persistent AR
should be treated with intranasal corticosteroids
Those who failed treatment should be referred
for consideration of specific allergen
immunotherapy (subcutaneous or sublingual)
Department of Allergy and Immunology
Summary
● Asthma
● Majority (75-80%) have rhinitis
● Patients with rhinitis have more frequent asthma
symptoms
● Treatment of rhinitis with intranasal
corticosteroids is likely to benefit asthma control
● Always ask about and optimise rhinitis treatment
in patients with asthma
Department of Allergy and ImmunologyReferral to Allergist Immunologist
1. Medication is ineffective despite 3-6 month trial
or causes adverse reaction.
2. Allergic rhinitis is complicated by a polyp.
3. Allergen desensitization is required.
4. Ongoing symptoms despite optimal topical
nasal corticosteroid therapy and allergen
avoidance.
5. Other severe allergic disease also presents
(e.g. eczema, food allergy, asthma).
6. Refer all children under 3 years old.
http://www.rch.org.au/kidsconnect/clinical.cfm?doc_id=10388
Department of Allergy and Immunology