ALLERGIN RHINITIS - RECOGNIZING SIGNS, SYMPTOMS, AND TRIGGERING ALLERGENS

Allergic rhinitis is prevalent and expensive in terms of quality of li fe and time away from work or school.(9) The first step in diagnosing allergy is recognizing the signs and symptoms through careful history taking and physical examination. Symptom patterns often provide import ant clues. Allergy testing can identify specific allergens and direct environmental controls but is not necessary as a first step if clinica l suspicion of specific allergens is high. The cost of therapy can be relatively low if accurate diagnosis pinpoints an allergen that can be readily controlled or eliminated.