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Table 1. Abbreviations and Definitions of Common Terms
Term Definition
Allergic rhinitis (AR) An IgE-mediated inflammatory response of the nasal mucous
membranes aer exposure to inhaled allergens. Symptoms
include rhinorrhea (anterior or posterior nasal drainage), nasal
congestion, nasal itching, and sneezing.
Seasonal allergic
rhinitis (SAR)
An IgE-mediated inflammatory response to seasonal
aeroallergens. e length of seasonal exposure to these
allergens is dependent on geographic location and climatic
conditions.
Perennial allergic
rhinitis (PAR)
An IgE-mediated inflammatory response to year-round
environmental aeroallergens. ese may include dust mites,
mold, animal allergens, or certain occupational allergens.
Intermittent allergic
rhinitis
An IgE-mediated inflammatory response and is characterized
by frequency of exposure or symptoms (<4 days/week or
<4 weeks/year).
Persistent allergic
rhinitis
An IgE-mediated inflammatory response and is characterized
by persistent symptoms (>4 days/week and >4 weeks/year).
Episodic allergic
rhinitis
An IgE-mediated inflammatory response and can occur if an
individual is in contact with an exposure that is not normally
a part of the individual's environment (i.e., a cat at a friend's
house).
