Classification of allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is classified in terms of symptom frequency and duration (intermittent or persistent) and severity (mild, or moderate to severe). Classification of allergic rhinitis outlines these classifications. Previous classifications referred to seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) or perennial allergic rhinitis, according to the allergens involved; however, as most patients are sensitised to both seasonal and perennial allergens, these classifications are less useful.

Table 1. Classification of allergic rhinitis

Frequency and duration of symptoms

Intermittent

Persistent

symptoms present:

  • on fewer than 4 days a week

        OR

  • for fewer than 4 consecutive weeks

symptoms present:

  • on more than 4 days a week

        AND

  • for more than 4 consecutive weeks

Severity of symptoms

Mild

Moderate to severe

all of the following:

  • symptoms present but not troublesome
  • no sleep disturbance
  • no impairment of daily activities, leisure or sport
  • no impairment of school or work performance

one or more of the following:

  • troublesome symptoms
  • sleep disturbance
  • impairment of daily activities, leisure or sport
  • impairment of school or work performance