Approximately 40% of the Western population is now atopic, and the prevalence of allergic rhinitis has increased to 30% of the population. Within the context of this marked increase in atopy, and the increasing incidence of allergic disorders, a number of the articles in this issue of the International Forum of Allergy and Rhinology (IFAR) focus on clinical allergy research. Intranasal topical steroids (ITCs) are now avail-