ObjectivePlateletactivating factor (PAF) is a highly active endogenous phospholipid mediator, which is mainly released by a variety of immune cells including neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, mast cells, endothelial cells and macrophages after being stimulated by inflammation. They play a vital role in many inflammatory diseases. In recent years, studies on the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis have found that PAF, as a potential related inflammatory mediator, can affect the chemotaxis of inflammatory cells, change the vascular permeability of the nasal mucosa, airway reactivity, and affect the secretion of glands. Therefore, it plays a key role in the appearance of some symptoms of AR. At present, many international clinical studies have proved that the use of PAF inhibitors is a good solution to the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. However, there are relatively few domestic studies on the application of PAF inhibitors in allergic rhinitis. This article reviews the role of platelet activating factor in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis and related research in recent years.