Allergic rhinitis: treating the adult.

Allergic rhinitis is now recognized as a chronic medical condition that markedly affects patient quality of life and is a cause of substantial medical care expenditures. Effective treatment of adults with allergic rhinitis usually requires an integrated regimen that combines allergen avoidance measures, pharmacotherapy, and possible specific-allergen immunotherapy. This approach can control bothersome symptoms with minimal adverse effects in most patients. New medications, such as anti-immunoglobulin E therapy and cytokine antagonists, may provide relief to patients who are refractory to or do not tolerate currently available treatments.