PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS

Allergy rhinitis results from an IgE-mediated allergy associated with nasal inflammation of variable intensity. The mechanisms of allergic r hinitis have been clarified using nasal challenge with allergen or pro inflammatory mediators and measuring cells and mediators released duri ng the early- and late-phase allergic reaction. However, the priming e ffect of the nasal mucosa is of importance since a single challenge do es not perfectly mimic the ongoing allergic reactions induced by repea ted allergen exposure. In seasonal and chronic allergic rhinitis, the same cells and mediators are of importance but nonspecific nasal hyper reactivity develops. The regulation of the inflammation of allergic rh initis is dependent on adhesion molecules and cytokines.