Pharmacologic Therapy of Common Allergic Diseases

Allergic diseases such as asthma, rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis are one of the rising public health problems in this country as well as in other parts of the world. In this article we summarized the commonly prescribed anti-allergic drugs based on evidence-based medicine and controlled clinical trials. The potential role of newer antihistamines in the amelioration of both localized and systemic symptoms of allergic diseases is an area of active investigation. Second-generation antihistamines can be recommended in allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and urticaria as well and its application can be extended to asthma with an increase of anti-allergic potency. Among the anti-asthma drugs, long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists can be used as a controller as well as a symptom reliever for the long-term management of asthma. Theophylline still has been used widely but requires knowledge for its safe and effective use. Leukotriene modifiers are considered as a safe, effective oral medication for the management of asthma and rhinitis. With the recognition that airway inflammation is the common pathophysiology in both asthma and rhinitis, it is recommended that glucocorticoid, the most powerful anti-inflammatory agent, is recommended first by inhalation and nasal routes and can be used orally when indicated in a wide range of allergic diseases.