Özet:

Allergic rhinitis is a common health problem. Although nota life-threatening condition in most cases, it has a substantial impact on public health and the economy. Because the nose is the most common port of entry for allergens, in patients with allergies, signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis, not surprisingly, are the most common complaints. After initial exposure to an antigen, antigen-processing cells (macrophages) present the processed peptides to T helper cells. Upon subsequent exposure to the seme antigen, these cells are stimulated to differentiate. The B cells may further differentiate into plasma cells and produce immunoglobulin E (lgE) specific to that antigen. Allergen-specific lgE molecules then bind to the surface of mest cells and sensitize them.Further exposures result in the release of preformed mediators from mest celi granules. These mediators (ie, histamine, leukotrienes, kinins) cause early-phase symptoms such as sneezing, rhinorrhea, and congestion. The 3 basic approaches for the treatment of allergies are (1) avoidance, (2) pharmacotherapy, and (3) immunotherapy. Treatment should start with avoidance of allergens and environmental controls. in almost all cases, however, pharmacotherapy is needed because the patient is either unwilling or unable to avoid allergens and to control the occasiona 1 exacerbations of symptoms. For patients with a seve re al lergy that is not responsive to environmental controls and pharmacotherapy or for those who do not wish to use medication fora lifetime, immunotherapy may be offered.

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