Ther Umsch. 1995 Nov; 52(11): 738-43.

[Current status of diagnosis and therapy of allergic rhinitis]

Hauswald B.

Klinik und Poliklinik f�r Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde der Medizinischen Fakult�t Carl-Gustav Carus, Technischen Universit�t Dresden.

A general rise in the occurrence of allergies has led to an increasing number of ENT consultations due to allergic rhinitis. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis amounts to 10 to 16% in Central Europe with a tendency to be on the rise. Etiological factors include an unhealthy lifestyle (stress), dietary habits, exposure to environmental pollutants, and genetic predisposition. The diagnostic work-up consists of a specific history of allergies, a general ENT examination, provocation tests of allergens such as skin reaction tests, and laboratory tests. Treatment includes avoidance of allergens, induction of hyposensitivity, symptomatic drug treatment, and acupuncture.