[Allergia rhinosinusitis. Diagnosis, programming and treatment monitoring]

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the most common airway diseases. About 15% of population suffers from this disease and the prevalence of this illness is still increasing. The symptoms of AR (itching, sneezing, watery nasal discharge) may be persistent or intermittent. Persistent AR often leads to sinusitis (in about 50% of patients), to bronchial asthma (in 40-50% of cases), to conjunctivitis (in > 40%) and to nasal polyps (in 10-15%). The main reasons for AR symptoms are environmental allergens (mites, pollen grains, moulds, animal epithelia) as well as foods, some drugs and chemicals. Diagnosis of AR is based on history, rhinoscopy, cytology of nasal smear. In IgE related AR very important are positive skin prick tests with allergens and the increase of allergen specific IgE in serum. In the treatment of AR most important are: allergen avoidance, topical antihistamins and steroids. Sometimes topical anticholinergics and nasal decongestants are used. In severe symptoms oral antihistamines and oral steroids are needed. In some cases of IgE related AR specific immunotherapy is applied.