Allergic Rhinitis: Changing Perspectives on Pathophysiology and Management

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis has shown a dramatic increase in prevalence over the last two decades. Seasonal allergic rhinitis and perennial allergic rhinitis present as two clinically distinct entities. The pathophysiology of the nasal allergic reaction can be divided into the intermediate "histaminic" reaction and the late phase "eosinophilic" reaction. Nasal hypersensitivity blowing adjuvant and allergen priming may account for the ill-defined entity of chronic rhinitis. Management of allergic rhinitis should attempt to include allergen avoidance measures, as well as pharmacotherapeutic, immunotherapeutic and local nasal surgical considerations when indicated.