[Physiopathology and therapeutic considerations for rhinitis]

Rhinitis affects about 10% of the global population. Whatever is the cause of the rhinitis, allergic or not, the physio-pathology is the same, with intervention of mediators as the origin of the nervous stimulation of the epithelium and mucosae. This innervation is threefold: parasympathetic (ACH), sympathetic (Nor ADR), non-adrenergic, non cholinergic system: neuropeptides: VIP. Rhinitis is therefore linked with imbalance of these systems. Treatment of rhinitis must be composed not only of anti H1 which are effective against secretions and sneezes, but also the anti-inflammatory steroids, which are effective against inflammation. Cromoglycate, ketotifen... should be obligatory as membrane stabilizers.