Allergic rhinitis

Alternative names:

hay fever

Symptoms:

• coughing
• headache
• itching of the nose, mouth, eyes, throat, skin, or any area
• runny nose (rhinitis)
• smell, impaired
• sneezing, may be frequent
• stuffy nose (nasal congestion)
• tearing, increased
• throat, sore
• wheezing

Signs and tests:

History is important in diagnosing allergies, including whether the symptoms vary according to time of day or the season and possible exposures.

• Immunoelectrophoresis - serum will show antibody (particularly IgE) levels that are elevated indicate allergic reaction.
• Complement levels may be abnormal.
• Allergy testing may reveal the specific allergen(s). Skin testing is the most common method of allergy testing. This may include intradermal, scratch, patch, or other tests. Occasionally, the suspected allergen is dissolved and dropped onto the lower eyelid (conjunctiva) of the eye as a means of testing for allergies.
• Other testing to determine the specific allergen may include various types of "use" or "elimination" tests where suspected items are eliminated and/or introduced while the person is observed for response to the substance.

This disease may also alter the results of an eosinophil count - absolute test.