[Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis--past and present aspects].

Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis can be divided into two forms: a seasonal one (pollen-induced) and a perennial one (e.g. provoked by house dust mites). There is still a tendency for underdiagnosing the disease, especially concerning the perennial form. Besides the typical diagnostic procedures, measurement of mediators in the nasal lavage are used for scientific research as well as for clinical reasons nowadays. The clinical picture is described with the terms "sneezer", "blower" and "blocker". During an acute phase of the disease the patients feel generally sick--due to the immunological inflammation. The new nonsedating oral antihistamines are the first choice for the saisonal form, whereas topical steroids are the "gold standard" for the perennial form. Guidelines for therapy are discussed.