Global Resources in Allergy (GLORIA): allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis

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Abstract
Summary: Allergic rhinitis is a common disease, affecting 25–35% of the population. Allergic rhinitis is still increasing in prevalence. It is characterized by rhinorrhoea, itching, sneezing and nasal obstruction. Allergic rhinitis is classically classified into three groups: seasonal (intermittent), perennial (persistent) and occupational allergic rhinitis. In the ARIA document allergic rhinitis is classified into intermittent and persistent. There is a known relationship between allergic rhinitis and asthma, sinusitis, otitis media with effusion, nasal polyposis and upper respiratory tract infections. Allergic rhinitis results from IgE‐mediated allergy, associated with cellular inflammation of the nasal mucosa. The diagnosis of allergic rhinitis is confirmed by a clinical history of typical allergic symptoms and in vivo or in vitro tests for detection of free or cell‐bound IgE. Treatment of allergic rhinitis comprises avoidance of the allergens, oral/nasal antihistamines, decongestants, chromones, ipratropium bromide and intranasal/oral corticosteroids. It is advised to follow the international guidelines, ‘a stepwise approach’. Allergic conjunctivitis is the most common ocular allergic disorder, affecting 5–22% of the population. Ocular allergy involves typical symptoms (itching, watery, stringy or ropey discharge and redness), recurrent/intermittent/persistent episodes, a strong personal and/or family history of atopy and an early age of onset. Treatment of allergic conjunctivitis includes oral/intraocular antihistamines, cromones or topical corticosteroids.

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