Review

Treating rhinitis in the older population: special considerations

Raymond G Slavin

Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Immunobiology, Section of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1402 South Grand Boulevard, M157, Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA

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Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology 2009, 5:9doi:10.1186/1710-1492-5-9

Published:	1 December 2009

Abstract

Rhinitis in the elderly is a common but often neglected condition. Structural changes in the nose associated with aging, predisposes the elderly to rhinitis. There are a number of specific factors that affect medical treatment of the elderly including polypharmacy, cognitive dysfunction, changes in body composition, impairment of liver and renal function and the cost of medications in the face of limited resources. Rhinitis in the elderly can be placed in several categories and treatment should be appropriate for each condition. The most important aim is to moisten the nasal mucosa since the nose of the elderly is so dry. Great caution should be used in treatment with first generation antihistamines and decongestants. Medications generally well tolerated by the elderly are second generation antihistamines, intra-nasal anti-inflammatory agents, leukotriene modifiers and iprapropium nasal spray.