Hay fever and asthma: are we failing our patients?

摘要

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is among the most common causes of chronic ill health, with a quarter of the adolescent population now affected. There is also clear evidence that in the Western world this disorder is increasing in frequency. It may range from mild rhinoconjunctivitis responsive to as-needed antihistamines to severe symptoms of nasal obstruction, sneezing, itching and profuse rhinorrhea, accompanied by ex-tranasal symptoms.