Allergic rhinitis: recent advances.

Our understanding of the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis is increasing as a result of the development of new research tools for investigation of patients with this disorder. The pharmacologic treatment of allergic rhinitis has been greatly improved by introduction of relatively nonsedating H1-receptor antagonists and potent, topically active, glucocorticosteroids. Immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis is also changing with the times. Patient selection criteria are becoming more strict, and the introduction of safer, modified allergens with decreased allergenicity and retained immunogenicity will be a major advance.