[Diagnosis of allergic rhinitis]

Abstract

Allergic diseases remains an important problem that affects people of all ages. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis amounts to 10 to 16% in Central Europe with a tendency to be on the rise. Allergic rhinitis constitutes one of the commonest causes for visits to a general practitioner. Correct diagnosis is important for optimal management. A thorough history should be taken, followed by general and endoscopic examinations and confirmatory investigations. Careful examination should reveal obvious alternative causes of symptoms, such as polyps or tumours. If allergy is suspected, this can be confirmed by further tests, particularly the skin-prick test, measurements of serum specific IgE, the nasal provocation test of allergens or zytological examination.