Nonsteroidal antiallergic treatments in allergic rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis is characterized by an inflammatory reaction consequent to an initial IgE-dependent mast cell activation. The conventional treatment is mainly based on antihistamine and topical corticosteroid prescriptions. In this article the authors consider the antiallergic-antiinflammatory activity exerted by some nonsteroidal drugs or immunologic treatments. Clinical and experimental evidence demonstrates that these treatments are able to control allergic inflammation in patients with allergic rhinitis. In conclusion, treatment of allergic rhinitis may also be based on the prescription of nonsteroidal drugs with antiallergic activity.