Therapeutic advances in the management of allergic rhinitis and urticaria.

Therapy for patients with allergic rhinitis and urticaria has undergone considerable change in recent years because the mechanisms of these diseases have been more clearly elucidated. Both appear to have marked inflammatory components. A review of the recent literature reveals that clinical studies of both classic and new nonsedating H1-receptor antagonists, H2-receptor antagonists, a variety of intranasal medications, and mast-cell stabilizers demonstrate variable roles in the management of these diseases. Because allergic rhinitis has early- and late-phase reactions, therapy must be directed toward control of both responses. There are a number of types of urticaria; therapy for each may vary.