From: Selecting optimal second-generation antihistamines for allergic rhinitis and urticaria in Asia
Allergic rhinitis | Urticaria | |
---|---|---|
Common adult patient profiles | Adults, some with comorbidities (e.g., asthma) | 20‒40-year-old adults Pregnant/lactating women |
Unmet needs | Inadequate diagnosis Inadequate control of symptoms Lack of long-acting, non-sedative drugs (limited availability) Lack of rest (limited quality of sleep) | Requirement of additional tools for diagnosis (lack of guideline education and availability of tests for specific urticaria subtypes)a Inadequate control of symptoms A single drug with all preferred features of an antihistamine Lack of rest (limited quality of sleep) |
Challenges in implementation of existing guidelines | Patient awareness Doctor awareness | Institutional practices and drug availability |
Practical considerations in treatment | Patient and doctor education Patient profile (e.g., renal/hepatic impairment, age, concomitant disease) Financial constraints Considerations of taking antihistamines by special populations, such as elderly patients and pregnant or breastfeeding women | Lack of patient compliance Considerations of taking antihistamines by special populations, such as elderly patients and pregnant or breastfeeding women Patient profile (e.g., renal/hepatic impairment, age, concomitant disease) Financial constraints |
Limitations in treatment | Patient preferences (demand for a treatment that will restore their QoL) | Patient preferences (demand for a treatment that will restore their QoL) |