The main purpose of the treatment of persistent allergic rhinitis is to improve symptoms and patients' quality of life and prevent the development of asthma. Therapeutic strategies also target a reduction of pro-inflammatory mediators released from activated cells, including mast cells and epithelial cells. The presence of allergic inflammation in nasal mucosa may increase the risk of asthma occurrence, especially in patients with persistent allergic rhinitis. H1 antihistamines are widely recommended in all types of allergic rhinitis, regardless of symptom severity or persistence. They control all of the symptoms, but to a lesser extent nasal congestion. New generation agents, such as levocetirizine and desloratadine, possess anti-inflammatory properties, reducing allergic inflammation.