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Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most common chronic noncommunicable disease worldwide that affects any age during the human life span but raises particular concerns among the parents and caregivers of the children who are affected. H1-receptor antagonists and corticosteroids provide the most effective way of bringing the condition under control. Intranasal application of these medications has the advantage of a faster onset of action and avoids systemic unwanted adverse effects. The only combination treatment, which comprises azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate, so far in a single advanced delivery system has proven its efficacy and safety in clinical trials of adult patients with AR. Objective: To critically review and identify gaps in the existing data for children in all different strata of pediatric ages. Methods: We searched the specialized medical literature for publications on the efficacy and safety of the combined formulation of azelastine and fluticasone in a single delivery device in adolescents (ages < 18 years) and children (ages < 12 years). Results: Altogether, 12 peer-reviewed articles have been published about trials that also involved subjects in different strata of the pediatric ages, seven of the articles pooled adolescents and adults. Three articles presented the results of studies in children ages 4 to 11 years specifically designed to overcome the difficulties that children experience in expressing themselves verbally. Conclusion: All the trials with the novel combination product that involved young children and adolescents documented its efficacy, effectiveness, and safety. However, the numbers of the youngest children (ages 4 and 5 years) were low, which suggested that further data about safety and efficacy in this age group are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In an attempt to circumvent low response rates and high cost of classical epidemiological trials, we carried out a real-life survey among practicing physicians consulting patients for nasal symptoms. In this fragment of our work we analyze similarities and differences between children and adults and within the different strata of pediatric age. Methods: A survey was carried out by 69 physicians across Bulgaria (general practitioners, allergists and otorhinolaryngologists) and made possible calculation of the proportion of subjects with nasal symptoms from all other patients seen. Its structure allowed classification of rhinitis according the ARIA guidelines. Results: Out of the 1685 completed survey forms, 506 pertained to the age group below 18 years. The gender predominance differed in children and adults: 57.3% vs. 42.8% of males respectively, P < 0.001. The prevalence of persistent rhinitis in children was 55.7%, lower than in adults, 63.3%, P=0.004. In both pediatric and adult patients moderately severe and severe forms of rhinitis prevailed, 93.7% vs. 94.6%, with nasal obstruction as leading symptom: 59.9% vs. 58.8%. Cough was significantly more prevalent among children, 72.5%, gradually decreasing until reaching adulthood, 58.7%, P < 0.001. Prevalence of doctor diagnosed asthma was also higher among children, 25.1%, than in adults, 19.5%, P = 0.011. A gradient for characteristics, which were different in children, emerged across the pediatric age strata. Discussion: Our study uses an unorthodox design targeting the patient population visiting physicians' offices because of nasal symptoms, achieving a much higher level of credibility of the results at minimal expense. As we base our survey on international guidelines, we believe this approach demonstrates the applicability of such consensus documents for practical purposes when in the hands of qualified physicians. Conclusions: Moderate and severe rhinitis symptoms motivate patients and their guardians to seek medical advice. While nasal congestion is a leading bothersome symptom in both adults and children, specific other features characterize the pediatric age and differ across its strata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Defective nasal barrier function is implicated in allergic rhinitis, which results in persistent inflammation and clinical symptoms, among which congestion plays a prominent role. In searching ways to improve the efficacy of nasally applied drugs in this condition, we tested the hypothesis that hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), known as a mucoprotective agent, could enhance the efficacy of a decongestant (oxymetazoline nasal spray, 0.05%) by 'sealing' it to the mucosa. Methods: This double-blind placebo-controlled study was conducted with 40 patients (mean age, 35 years; 23 women) with persistent allergic rhinitis. The patients were randomized to receive 1 puff of oxymetazoline, followed by 1 puff of either HPMC or lactose powder (placebo) twice a day for 7 days and then only oxymetazoline rescue medication for another week. Peak inspiratory nasal flow (PNIF) was measured for 360 minutes after oxymetazoline and HPMC or placebo insufflation on days 1 and 8, and at a single point on day 15. Symptoms assessments involve visual analog scales and total nasal symptom scores. Results: HPMC significantly enhanced oxymetazoline-increased PNIF at days 1 (p = 0.042) and 8 (p = 0.006). Baseline PNIF was greater in the HPMC group at day 15 (p = 0.014), indicative of further reduced nasal congestion. All nasal symptoms improved in both groups at day 8, but only the HPMC group showed further amelioration at day 15. Rescue medication was smaller in the HPMC group between days 8 and 15. Conclusion: HPMC enhances decongestion through mucoadhesion but may also be augmenting the mucosal barrier in allergic rhinitis, which explains the carryover efficacy of oxymetazoline for a week after its discontinuation. Clinical Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01986582. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]