The need for clinical indicators in allergic rhinitis

The treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) is now clearly established and appropriate treatment can improve the symptoms of AR. Furthermore, analogous to those available for asthma, treatment-related improvements in symptoms and quality of life (QoL) can be graded. There is no universally, agreed indication that AR control should be measured directly. However, indicators of AR control have been formulated in multitude ways with both objective and subjective measurements. Evaluation of AR control can be based on a number of criteria, including: nasal and ocular symptoms (congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing, pruritus, post-nasal drip); a patient-reported metric of QoL (i.e., impairment in sleep or daily activities) and satisfaction, objective measurements (e.g., peak nasal inspiratory flow, rhinomanometry, increased use of rescue medication). Many instruments, such as The Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test (CARAT), Rhinitis Control Assessment Test (RCAT), Allergic Rhinitis Control Test (ARCT) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and other new questionnaires requiring validation have appeared and have been used in the assessment of the patient's clinical symptoms. Here, we review the criteria use for the assessment of AR control as well as the existing validated instruments. Specifically, we provide insight into their use in clinical practice. (C) 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.