Table 1 Considerations, unmet needs and challenges in implementing treatment guidelines for allergic rhinitis and urticaria
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) |