In the treatment of allergic rhinitis, what are the specific factors that must be identified and what is the algorithm for treatment?

Identification of specific precipitating factors and initiation of appropriate environmental control measures are essential for successful treatment.
The patient's history and symptoms should be evaluated and classified as intermittent (seasonal) or persistent (perennial) and as mild, moderate, or severe.
Mild symptoms can be controlled with over-the-counter medications, while moderate rhinitis requires daily treatment with prescription medications to control the patient's symptoms.
Patients with moderate to severe symptoms that are not controlled by environmental control or prescription medications require a thorough evaluation by referral to an allergy specialist.
The treatment of allergic rhinitis includes pharmacological treatment, environmental control, and immunotherapy with allergen injection.