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Treatment of allergic rhinitis in pandemic times. Consensus statement from medical societies of Latin America and the Caribbean

Abstract:

Allergic rhinitis has been increasing in Latin American countries, leading to a growing population of patients who need medical treatment for this respiratory condition. Its similarity to COVID-19 in terms of symptoms and the possibility of concurrence with it, make allergic rhinitis of particular interest to health systems. The countries of Latin America and the Caribbean have been particularly vulnerable due to multiple challenges, including high poverty rates, limited access to medical care and limitations in the provision of basic health services, as well as the absence of guidelines of treatment for allergic rhinitis in a pandemic situation. With the aim of to provide essential management for multidisciplinary teams in Latin America and the Caribbean regarding the evaluation and treatment of allergic rhinitis during the COVID-19 pandemic, published scientific literature on the treatment of allergic rhinitis and COVID-19 was reviewed, and the opinion of leading professionals from scientific societies in the region was considered. The different measures to avoid infections and the different treatment strategies were analyzed, with an emphasis on intranasal therapy and treatment with allergy vaccines. A position statement was formulated with the intention of maintaining continuity of medical service in the context of a pandemic and minimizing the spread, infection and complication associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in patients undergoing or starting treatment for allergic rhinitis.