The author focuses his attention on the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis and basic principles of treatment of this very frequent disease which is closely related to other organs and diseases. The author mentions different groups of drugs used in clinical practice for the treatment of allergic rhinitis with the explanation of the mechanism of their effect. Special attention is devoted to topically applied glucocorticosteroids, i.e. the most effective group of drugs, and their comparison with other drugs used in patients with allergic rhinitis.

        Key words: allergic rhinitis, epidemiology, pathogenesis, therapy, topical glucocorticosteroids.