[What are the changes in the nasal mucosa caused by allergic rhinitis?].

Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common illnesses of mankind. It is important to be aware that it is an immunological disease associated with extensive changes in the mucosa of the respiratory tract. The cardinal symptoms are nasal obstruction and/or discharge, as well as itching and sneezing urge. The mechanisms involved are complex and include activation and migration of inflammatory cells, vascular dilatation, increase and changes of glandular activity, activation of nerve endings, onset of a neurogenic inflammation and morphologically demonstrable alterations in the mucosa. All this makes it clear that allergic rhinitis is a disease that has to be taken seriously and treated thoroughly, rather than be treated lightly, as has been the case--perhaps because it is so frequent.