[Spectrum of treatments for hay fever]

Early and appropriate treatment of allergic rhinitis is of great importance, since the condition may be associated with such comorbidities as bronchial asthma and rhinosinusitis. The pharmacotherapeutic concept is determined by the new and further development of pharmacological substance classes, such as the antihistaminics and glucocorticosteroids. In recent years, specific immunotherapy--the sole causal treatment of AR--has also been improved by new approaches to the nature and form of its application. In future, a tablet against grass pollen allergy for sublingual application will be available for adults in whom the subcutaneous route is not feasible. The spectrum of therapeutic agents also includes mast cell stabilizers, systemic and topical antihistaminics as well as glucocorticosteroids and beta sympathomimetics.