In our recent paper-based questionnaire survey of 636 German professional and hobby athletes, we observed a high prevalence of allergic rhinitis (n = 269; 42.6% in total, 36.1% confirmed by a physician, 6.5% self-diagnosed).[1] We presented evidence suggesting that this condition substantially impairs athletes' physical fitness. The negative impacts of allergic rhinitis on sport performance can be lessened by allergen immunotherapy (AIT), whereas symptomatic medications elicit only modest effects on sport performance and physical fitness in this particular group of allergic rhinitis sufferers.[1] This post hoc analysis was conducted in the above-mentioned 269 athletes to better understand (a) athletes' knowledge of AIT, (b) the reasons why most athletes had not been treated with AIT, and (c) the demographic and diagnostic factors influencing the athletes' decision to undergo AIT. Impaired sports performance of athletes suffering from pollen-induced allergic rhinitis: a cross-sectional, observational survey in German athletes. [Extracted from the article]