How to Diagnose Allergic Rhinitis

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 07, 2024
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Allergic rhinitis is a common and frequently occurring disease clinically. The definite diagnosis of allergic rhinitis primarily relies on the following points: First, the medical history, such as a history of living in an allergenic environment or a family history, along with a past history of the condition. Second, the clinical manifestations of allergic rhinitis, such as rhinitis, paroxysmal sneezing, a large amount of clear watery nasal discharge, and upon nasal examination, the nasal mucosa appears pale and swollen with clear watery discharge present in the nasal cavity. Additionally, supportive examinations can reveal an increase in eosinophils or lymphocytes in the complete blood count, or the detection of allergens, and specific IgE tests, etc. With these medical histories, clinical symptom manifestations, and supportive examinations, allergic rhinitis can be definitively diagnosed.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Is allergic rhinitis contagious?

Allergic rhinitis is a type of hypersensitivity reaction occurring in our nasal cavity. It is an immunological disease, not caused by bacterial or viral infections, so it is definitely not contagious. However, in real life, it may create an appearance of being contagious. For example, if one family member develops allergic rhinitis, other family members might also start showing symptoms of allergic rhinitis. This is mainly because all family members live in the same environment, which might be the allergen-triggering environment. Essentially, allergic rhinitis is a hypersensitivity disease and is not contagious. It’s just that living in the same environment, everyone may develop this disease, but it is not transmitted from one person to another.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to diagnose allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease, with numerous clinical symptoms. The most common symptoms are itchy nose, clear runny nose, and sneezing. In terms of examination, an allergen test can first be conducted to help identify the specific types of allergens. Currently, a skin prick test or blood test can be considered; both methods can determine the specific allergens. In daily life, it is necessary to avoid these as much as possible. Secondly, a nasopharyngoscope examination should be conducted. Through the nasopharyngoscope examination, the extent of the inflammatory response inside the nasal cavity can be determined. At the same time, it also helps to investigate other diseases in the nasal cavity or nasopharynx.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to check for allergens in allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis can be screened for allergens. Currently, allergy testing is mainly conducted through two methods. The first method is blood testing, and the second method is a skin prick test. Blood testing is more commonly used and typically involves various allergens, such as dust, pollen, pets, hair, and it could also be due to allergies to seafood or mold, plants. Both skin prick tests and blood tests can be used. If one method does not provide sufficiently clear results, both types of allergen tests can be performed simultaneously for a more accurate comparison.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to completely cure allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis currently has many treatment methods, but overall, only a minority of patients can be completely cured; most patients focus primarily on controlling symptoms and alleviating the condition. At present, the main treatment method for allergic rhinitis is medication. If it's purely a mite allergy and there are no other allergens, desensitization treatment can be considered. Currently, this involves subcutaneous injections or sublingual immunotherapy. Overall, about 60% to 70% of patients can achieve a complete cure with this treatment. However, for other allergies or those that cannot be identified, the focus is primarily on control and relief; it is very difficult to achieve a complete cure with either medication or surgery.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What department should I go to for allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is recommended to consult an otorhinolaryngology department. Currently, allergic rhinitis is mainly due to an imbalance in one's own immune system, which, upon contact with external allergens, triggers an allergic reaction in the body. It is a relatively common nasal disease, hence the recommendation to visit an otorhinolaryngology department. Regarding examinations, allergen testing and nasal endoscopy are required. The main purpose is to identify the relevant allergens and to determine the presence of any neoplasms in the nasal and nasopharyngeal areas, such as nasal polyps. In terms of treatment, it primarily involves medication. Currently, the treatment mainly considers the use of oral medications and nasal spray medications for allergy treatment. Additionally, the use of saline to rinse the nasal cavity can be considered, along with regular follow-ups. However, overall, most patients with allergic rhinitis focus on controlling the condition, as it is difficult to completely cure.