Abstract
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common heterogeneous chronic disease characterized by high prevalence, complex pathogenesis, and susceptibility to multiple contributing factors. Currently, its prevalence ranges from 20% to 30% in adults and reaches up to 40% in children. Extensive research has confirmed significant differences in nasal microbiota composition between AR patients and healthy individuals, most notably alterations in the abundance of four dominant phyla: Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria. Among these, the most striking abundance alterations occur in Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus salivarius within the nasal mucosa of AR patients, suggesting a critical role of nasal microbiota in AR initiation and progression. In response, researchers have proposed microbiome-targeted therapeutic strategies. For example, nasal local administration of probiotics (e.g., Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) aims to reshape the nasal microbiota. Additionally, protective bacteria such as Corynebacterium accolens and Dolosigranulum pigrum can inhibit pathogenic bacteria, thereby correcting microbial dysbiosis and alleviating AR symptoms. This review summarizes the composition of the nasal microbiota, the latest research progress on its association with AR, and the underlying potential mechanisms. It provides novel insights and potential therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of AR.