Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic Rhinitis (AR) is an IgE-mediated inflammatory disease characterized by nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing, and itching as well as symptoms involving the eyes, ears, or throat. Uncontrolled AR significantly affects physical and social functioning, resulting in increased societal costs and diminished quality of life (QOL). Appropriate therapy can substantially reduce societal costs and significantly improve QOL. Classification of symptoms by severity and frequency can assist in selecting appropriate treatment strategies, with the identification of relevant allergens helping to guide administration. Pharmacotherapy to control symptoms remains the mainstay of treatment; however, allergen Immunotherapy (AIT) may be used in select individuals to induce sustained tolerance to sensitized allergens and provide symptomatic relief by modifying immune responses. In this chapter, we will use case-based discussion to provide a comprehensive review of the pathophysiology of AR, the mechanisms of AIT, treatment algorithms, and the basics of AIT preparation.