Evidences for Local Allergic Rhinitis

ABSTRACT

Local allergic rhinitis is defined as a localized allergic reaction of the nasal mucosa in the absence of systemic atopy. Its main pathophysiological mechanism can be summarized as 1) increased specific immunoglobulin E in the nasal fluid, and 2) Th2 allergic mechanism localized in the nasal mucosa. In patients whose result of a skin prick test is totally negative for all antigens, practitioners could diagnose local allergic rhinitis using a nasal provocation test. Oral antihistamines and intranasal steroids can be an effective treatment. Subcutaneous immunotherapy can also be helpful. Further study is essential to further elucidate the detailed pathophysiologic mechanism and set up global standard diagnostic criteria.