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Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Symptom Assessment of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis Using an Allergen Exposure Chamber
Published on: March 3, 2023
[Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis--past and present aspects]
1Universitäts-Kinderklinik Berlin.
Abstract:
Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis can be divided into two forms: a seasonal one (pollen-induced) and a perennial one (e.g. provoked by house dust mites). There is still a tendency for underdiagnosing the disease, especially concerning the perennial form. Besides the typical diagnostic procedures, measurement of mediators in the nasal lavage are used for scientific research as well as for clinical reasons nowadays. The clinical picture is described with the terms "sneezer", "blower" and "blocker". During an acute phase of the disease the patients feel generally sick--due to the immunological inflammation. The new nonsedating oral antihistamines are the first choice for the saisonal form, whereas topical steroids are the "gold standard" for the perennial form. Guidelines for therapy are discussed.
Insights
Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, often underdiagnosed, presents seasonally or perennially. Diagnosis and treatment vary, with oral antihistamines for seasonal and topical steroids for perennial forms.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Otorhinolaryngology
Context:
- Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis encompasses seasonal (pollen) and perennial (house dust mites) forms.
- Underdiagnosis, particularly of the perennial type, remains a clinical challenge.
- Nasal lavage mediator measurement aids both research and clinical diagnosis.
Purpose:
- To review the classification, diagnosis, and therapeutic guidelines for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
- To highlight the distinct management strategies for seasonal and perennial allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
Summary:
- The condition presents clinically as 'sneezer,' 'blower,' or 'blocker' phenotypes.
- Acute phases involve systemic symptoms due to immunological inflammation.
- Nonsedating oral antihistamines are primary for seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
- Topical steroids are the established treatment for perennial allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
Impact:
- Improved diagnostic awareness, especially for perennial allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
- Guideline-based therapeutic approaches for optimizing patient outcomes.
- Integration of mediator measurement in clinical decision-making.
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