Allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated inflammatory nasal condition resulting from allergen introduction in a sensitised individual.

Presumptive diagnosis of allergic rhinitis is usually clinical and is made if someone experiences one or more of rhinorrhoea, sneezing, itching of nose/palate/eyes, or nasal congestion in response to allergen exposure. Cough is also a common symptom.

The diagnosis is confirmed with demonstration of specific IgE reactive to environmental allergens. Food allergy testing is not recommended in the routine evaluation of rhinitis.

Treatment includes allergen avoidance (reducing exposure to relevant allergens such as dander, dust mite, and pollen), pharmacotherapy, and immunotherapy.

Intranasal corticosteroids remain the single most effective class of medications for treating allergic rhinitis.

Immunotherapy is often recommended for patients with persistent symptoms.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated inflammatory nasal condition resulting from allergen exposure in a sensitised individual. AR is a common inflammatory condition of the upper respiratory tract, characterised by nasal pruritus, sneezing, rhinorrhoea, and nasal congestion. Frequently, there is associated palate, throat, ear, and eye itching as well as eye redness, puffiness, and watery discharge.

AR may sometimes be due to occupational or hobby exposures to proteins that do not commonly provoke IgE-mediated responses. Examples include woodworkers becoming sensitised to wood dusts, or food service workers becoming sensitised to grain dusts.