Allergic rhinitis is a global health problem of increasing prevalence, affecting between 10% and 40% of the world's population. In some countries it is now approaching epidemic proportions and is becoming a significant public health concern. The cumulative symptoms of allergic rhinitis can be troubling and may impair daily activities and sleep patterns, resulting in a significant effect on patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL), learning, and psychomotor performance, and thereby in an economic effect on society in terms of both direct and indirect costs. Rhinitis is also associated with other conditions such as asthma, sinusitis, and otitis media.
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