Abstract:Histamine is an important chemical medium in the body, which can participate in a variety of pathophyseologic processes by activating H1, H2, H3, and H4 receptors. In the acute phase of allergic rhinitis (AR), the degranulation of mast cells releases histamine and other inflammatory mediators. Histamine binds to H1 receptors in the nasal mucosa to trigger sneezing, nasal itching, rhinorrhea and other symptoms. Application of H1 receptor antagonists (H1RAs) can significantly alleviate the above symptoms. Additionally, recent studies have found the presence of H2, H3 and H4 receptors in the nasal mucosa which can also relieve nasal symptoms by corresponding receptor antagonists. It is suggested that histamine could not only bind to H1 receptor, but also bind to H2, H3 and H4 receptors, which participated in the occurrence and the development of AR. This review focuses on the research progress of histamine, the four histamine receptors and antihistamines in the area of pathogenesis and treatment of AR.