Allergic rhinitis is the most common allergic disease, affecting 40 million Americans. It costs over $40 billion per year to treat, and accounts for 3.8 million lost work and school days per year. In addition to nasal symptoms and their complications, allergic rhinitis is frequently associated with disturbing systemic symptoms of fatigue, malaise, irritability, weakness, and poor concentration leading to poor school or work performance.

Allergic rhinitis can occur year round (perennial allergic rhinitis) or seasonally (seasonal allergic rhinitis), or in combination (perennial allergic rhinitis with a seasonal component).

· nasal congestion and post-nasal drainage are the most common symptoms

· "sinus" symptoms are quite common including pressure and headaches about eyes

· commonly associated with recurrent sinus infections

· most common allergens: animal dander, mold, house dust mites, occupational factors, and foods

· sneezing, watery runny nose, nasal congestion, itching of nose, ears, and throat, and

itching and watering of eyes are the most common symptoms

· most common allergens: grass pollen, tree pollen, weed pollen, and mold spores

· Dry laundry in dryer. Do not hang wash outdoors (collects pollen and mold).

· Keep windows in bedroom and autos closed, and use air conditioning, if possible.

· Wash hair before going to bed to wash out allergens.

· Limit facial hair during pollen season (collects pollen and mold).

· Keep basement dry and avoid crawl spaces, if mold sensitive

SPECIFIC DRUG THERAPY

· antihistamines

· decongestants

· antihistamine-decongestant combinations

· corticosteroids (topical sprays or oral)

· mast cell stabilizers

· anticholinergics (drying agents)