Cássio da Cunha Ibiapina, Emanuel Savio Cavalcanti Sarinho, Paulo Augusto Moreira Camargos, Cláudia Ribeiro de Andrade, Álvaro Augusto Souza da Cruz Filho
This study was a review of the literature on the epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of allergic rhinitis. Bibliographic
searches were based on the information contained within the Medline, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature and
HighWire databases, covering the last thirty years and using the following search terms: 'allergic rhinitis', 'epidemiology', 'diagnosis' and
'treatment'. Sixty articles were selected. This study describes the increase in the prevalence of allergic rhinitis, its relationship with asthma,
the diagnostic criteria and the treatment. The classification of allergic rhinitis and strategies for its treatment are presented. Therapeutic
modalities presented and discussed include the administration of antihistamines, corticosteroids, immunotherapy, anti-leukotrienes, sodium
cromoglycate and anti-IgE antibodies, as well as minimizing exposure to inhaled allergens. Finally, the importance of the management of
allergic rhinitis in public health is emphasized.
Keywords: Rhinitis/therapy; Hypersensitivity; Epidemiology; Diagnosis.