Rhinitis: An executive summary of a practical and comprehensive approach to assessment and therapy

Rhinitis is a common disease entity, found in up to 40% of the population. Allergic rhinitis is also common in the population, and some studies indicate that its incidence is on the rise. Since the last Canadian recommendations in 1994, considerable progress has been made in understanding the underlying inflammatory process involved in the clinical presentation of rhinitis. As well, new treatment modalities have evolved and are now available to practicing physicians. It has also been established that rhinitis, as a presenting feature, may represent more than a local event and may herald a full-scale airway process. For these reasons, representatives of the related specialties of otolaryngology, allergy and clinical immunology, respirology, and family medicine and basic science researchers were brought together to discuss their viewpoints and develop a Canadian consensus on the concepts of etiology and treatment of rhinitis. This work provides an update of combined airway disease and provides a concise guide of the current modalities for treating nasal inflammation.