The authors summarize contemporary knowledge of rhinitis. As a basis they use the international consensus on rhinitis of 1994. Rhinitis is at present a topic from the aspect of rhinologists as well as from the aspect of pneumologists. The authors present a definition of rhinitis, some epidemiological data, classification of rhinitis, the clinical picture. Recent findings pertain to mycotic infection and some possibilities of examination. In the differential diagnosis of rhinosinusitis a number of diseases have to be considered. The authors summarize briefly the findings on treatment of rhinitis, the relationship of the upper and lower airways and quality of life of patients suffering from rhinitis. In the conclusion they mention the most important not quite resolved problems in rhinology. At present more information on the epidemiology of rhinitis is lacking, it is important to improve the diagnosis, to classify rhinitis. Suggestions for therapeutic patterns in rhinosinusitis are lacking and the relationship of the upper and lower airways in diseases of the respiratory tract is not quite clear.

        Key words: rhinitis, definition of rhinitis, classification of rhinitis.