[Allergic rhinitis]

Allergic rhinitis is the most common of the allergic diseases with, according to a number of epidemiological studies, an incidence of about 15% in Central Europe. The condition is characterized morphologically by inflammation of the nasal mucosa resulting from an IgE-mediated allergic reaction of the immediate type. Depending on the allergen involved and the course of the disease several forms of allergic rhinitis are distinguished. The present paper describes the pathophysiology and clinical symptomatology, current diagnostic approaches and the therapeutic possibilities with an eye to their practical relevance.