Effect of pollutants in rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis is a very common disease worldwide and is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Exposure to environmental allergens is the most significant environmental factor in development and exacerbation of allergic rhinitis. However, air pollutants that are not allergens may affect allergic inflammation in the nasal airway. The nasal airway possesses a number of defense mechanisms to deal with environmental irritants. This article examines the effect of ozone and particulate air pollution of TH2-type inflammation in the airway and how nasal defenses protect the upper and lower airway from adverse effects of pollutants.