From the Guidelines
The most effective treatment for allergic rhinitis in a 12-year-old is a combination of an intranasal corticosteroid and an intranasal antihistamine, as recommended by the 2017 joint task force on practice parameters 1. This approach is supported by recent studies that have shown the combination of these two medications to be more effective than either one alone in reducing nasal symptoms, including congestion, sneezing, and rhinorrhea. Some key points to consider when treating allergic rhinitis in a 12-year-old include:
- The use of intranasal corticosteroids, such as fluticasone propionate, as the most effective medication class for controlling symptoms 1
- The addition of an intranasal antihistamine, such as azelastine, to the treatment regimen for enhanced symptom relief 1
- The potential benefits of combination therapy, including improved symptom control and reduced need for additional medications 1
- The importance of individualizing treatment based on the severity of symptoms, patient preferences, and response to therapy 1 It is essential to note that treatment should always prioritize reducing morbidity, mortality, and improving quality of life, and the combination of an intranasal corticosteroid and an intranasal antihistamine has been shown to be effective in achieving these goals 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The dosage of Astelin® Nasal Spray is ... one or two sprays per nostril twice daily For patients age 12 and older with seasonal allergic rhinitis Astelin® Nasal Spray is indicated for the treatment of the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis such as rhinorrhea, sneezing, and nasal pruritus in adults and children 5 years and older, and for the treatment of the symptoms of vasomotor rhinitis, such as rhinorrhea, nasal congestion and postnasal drip in adults and children 12 years and older.
The treatment for allergic rhinitis in a 12-year-old is Azelastine Nasal Spray, with a dosage of one or two sprays per nostril twice daily 2. This is indicated for the treatment of symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, such as rhinorrhea, sneezing, and nasal pruritus 2.
- Key points:
- Dosage: one or two sprays per nostril twice daily
- Indication: treatment of symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis
- Age: 12 years and older
From the Research
Treatment Options for Allergic Rhinitis in a 12-Year-Old
The treatment for allergic rhinitis in a 12-year-old can include:
- Allergen avoidance
- Pharmacotherapy
- Immunotherapy 3 Some common pharmacologic options include:
- Oral and intranasal antihistamines
- Intranasal corticosteroids
- Oral and intranasal decongestants
- Oral and intranasal anticholinergics
- Leukotriene receptor antagonists 3
Recommended Treatments
For mild intermittent or mild persistent allergic rhinitis, first-line treatment may include:
- A second-generation H1 antihistamine (e.g., cetirizine, fexofenadine, desloratadine, loratadine)
- An intranasal antihistamine (e.g., azelastine, olopatadine) 4 For persistent moderate to severe allergic rhinitis, treatment may include:
- An intranasal corticosteroid (e.g., fluticasone, triamcinolone, budesonide, mometasone) either alone or in combination with an intranasal antihistamine 4
Studies in Children
Studies have shown that cetirizine is effective in treating seasonal allergic rhinitis in children aged 6-11 years 5, 6 Cetirizine 10 mg once daily was found to be safe and effective in reducing symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis in children aged 6-11 years 5, 6 Loratadine has also been studied in children with seasonal allergic rhinitis, but the results were not significantly different from placebo 6, 7