Allergic rhinitis – classification, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis is an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated inflammatory pathology of the nasal mucosa clinically characterized by mucous rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, sneezing and/or nasal itch. Its classification depends on the duration and severity of symptoms which, when not controlled, can have a major impact on quality of life. Although the diagnosis is mainly based on clinical features, the use of skin prick testing and allergen-specific serum IgE measurements are important to confirm the etiol-ogy and characterize the involved allergens. Treatment includes environmental control measures, pharmacological treatment and, in selected cases, allergen immunotherapy. The aim of this article is to gather current scientific evidence on allergic rhinitis, in what concerns its pathophysiology, diagnosis and appropriate management, using a clinical vignette as a starting point.