Allergic rhinitis is a symptomatic disorder of the nose induced after allergen exposure by an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated inflammation of the membranes lining the nose (1). It was defined in 1929 (2): ÔThe three cardinal symptoms in nasal reactions occurring in allergy are sneezing, nasal obstruction and mucous dischargeÕ. Allergic rhinitis is a global health problem that causes major illness and disability worldwide. Patients from all countries, all ethnic groups and of all ages suffer from allergic rhinitis. It affects social life, sleep, school and work. The economic impact of allergic rhinitis is often underestimated because the disease does not induce elevated direct costs. However, the indirect costs are substantial (1). Both allergic rhinitis and asthma are systemic inflammatory conditions and are often co-morbidities. Although asthma and other forms of allergic disease have been described in antiquity, Ôhay feverÕ is surprisingly modern. Very rare descriptions can be traced back to

Abbreviations: AAAAI, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology; ABPA, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis; ACAAI, American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology; AGREE, Appraisal of Guideline Research & Evaluation; AIA, aspirin-induced asthma; AIANE, European Network on Aspirin-Induced Asthma; ANAES, Agence Nationale de lÕAccreditation et dÕEvaluation en Sante; AOM, acute otitis media; AQLQ questionnaire, asthma quality of life questionnaire; ARIA, Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma; ATS, American Thoracic Society; BCG, Bacille de Calmette et Guerin; Bet v 1, Betula verucosa antigen 1 (major birch pollen allergen); CAM, complementary and alternative medicine; CD, Cluster of Differentiation; CF, cystic fibrosis; CFTR, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator; CNS, central nervous system; CO, carbon monoxide; CO2, carbon dioxide; COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; CPAP, continuous positive airway pressure; CRD, chronic respiratory diseases; CRS, chronic rhinosinusitis; CT scan, computerized tomography scan; CXCR, CXC chemokine receptor; CysLT, cysteinyl leukotrienes; DALY, disability-adjusted life years; Der f, Dermatophagoides farinae; Der p 1, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus antigen 1 (major HDM allergen); DPT, Dipheteria-Tetanus-Pertussis; EAACI, European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology; EBM, evidence-based medicine; ECRHS, European Community Respiratory Health Survey; ECM, extracellular matrix; ECP, eosinophil cationic protein; EFA, European Federation of Allergy & Airway diseases patients association; EIA, exercise-induced asthma; EIB, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction; Equ c, Equus caballus (horse); ETS, environmental tobacco smoke; Eur m, Euroglyphus maynei; EVH, Eucapnic Voluntary Hyperventilation; FceRI, high affinity receptor for IgE; FceRII, low affinity receptor for IgE (CD23); Fel d 1, Felix domesticus allergen 1 (major cat allergen); FEV1, forced expiratory volume in 1 s; FLAP, 5-lipoxygenase (LO) activating protein; FVC, forced vital capacity; GARD, WHO Global Alliance against chronic Respiratory Diseases; GER, gastro-oesophageal reflux; GM-CSF, granulocyte, monocyte colony-stimulating factor; GR, glucocorticosteroid receptor; GRADE, Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation; GRE, glucocorticosteroid receptor responsive element; HDM, house dust mite; HEPA, High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter; HETE, hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid; HPA axis, hypothalamicpituitary-adrenal axis; HPETE, hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid; HRQOL, health-related quality of life; IAR, intermittent allergic rhinitis …