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Allergic rhinitis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Hay fever; Nasal allergies

Symptoms:

• Coughing
• Headache
• Itching nose, mouth, eyes, throat, skin, or any area
• Runny nose
• Problems with smell
• Sneezing
• Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)
• Tearing eyes
• Sore throat
• Wheezing

Signs and tests:

The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask you questions about your symptoms. Your history of symptoms is important in diagnosing allergic rhinitis, including whether the symptoms vary according to time of day or the season, exposure to pets or other allergens, and diet changes.

Allergy testing may reveal the specific allergens the person is reacting to. Skin testing is the most common method of allergy testing. This may include scratch, patch, or other tests.

If your doctor determines you cannot undergo skin testing, the RAST blood test may help determine which allergens you are sensitive to.

• Review Date: 10/30/2006
• Reviewed By: Donald Accetta, MD, MPH, President, Allergy & Asthma Care, PC, Taunton, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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