Primary prevention

Cat and dog hair are common allergens, and may cause perennial AR symptoms.[36][37] Exposure to a dog during the first year of life may reduce the risk of AR and asthma.[38][39]

Pregnancy and early life

Current evidence does not support an antigen avoidance diet for pregnant women, including those at high risk for giving birth to a child with atopic disease.[45][46]

While currently available evidence does not indicate that probiotic supplementation reduces the risk of atopic disorders, the World Allergy Organization recommends the use of probiotics in: pregnant women at high risk for having an allergic child; women who are breastfeeding infants at high risk of developing allergy; and infants at high risk of developing allergy.[28][47]

There is insufficient evidence to determine the relationship between the age at which complementary foods are first introduced and risk of developing AR during childhood.[48]

In a multicentre allergy study, no modifiable aspects of early-life environment or lifestyle were identified as targets for primary prevention of AR.[49]

Secondary prevention

Avoidance of allergens known or suspected to trigger AR symptoms may minimise (or fully alleviate) symptoms and reduce medication use. However, this may not be the case for all AR patients.

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