A 40-year-old woman comes to the clinic with a history of worsening nasal congestion and recurrent sinus infections. She had been healthy until about 1 year ago when she first noticed persistent rhinorrhea, sneezing, and stuffiness. She noted that when she went on a 2-week vacation to Mexico, her rhinorrhea disappeared, only to return when she came home again. She has lived in the same house for the past 5 years along with her husband and one child. They have had a dog for 4 years and a cat for 1 year. On physical examination, she has boggy, swollen nasal turbinates and a cobblestone appearance of her posterior pharynx.
Questions:
1. What are the pathophysiologic mechanisms in allergic rhinitis?
2. What are the signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis?
3. What are possible complications of allergic rhinitis?