Rhinitis, allergic
Your GP will often be able to diagnose allergic rhinitis from your symptoms and your personal and family medical history.
They'll ask you whether you've noticedany triggers that seem to cause a reaction, and whether it happens at a particular place or time.
Your GP may examine the inside of your nose to check for nasal polyps.
Nasal polyps are fleshy swellings that grow from the lining of your nose or your sinuses, the small cavities inside your nose. They can be caused by the inflammation that occurs as a result of allergic rhinitis.
Allergic rhinitis is usually confirmed when medical treatment starts. If you respond well to antihistamines, it's almost certain that your symptoms are caused by an allergy.
If the exact cause of allergic rhinitis is uncertain, your GP may refer you to a hospital allergy clinic for allergy testing.
The two main allergy tests are:
Commercial allergy testing kitsaren't recommended because the testing is often of a lower standard than that provided by the NHS or an accredited private clinic.
It's alsoimportant that the test results are interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional with detailed knowledge of your symptoms and medical history.
In some cases furtherhospital tests may be needed to check for complications, such as nasal polyps or sinusitis.
For example, you may need:
Find out about allergic rhinitis, a condition where the inside of the nose becomes inflamed by allergens, such as pollen, dust, mould, or flakes of animal skin.
Find out what causes allergic rhinitis, and read about common allergens that trigger it, such as pollen, dust and certain animals.
Read about how allergic rhinitis is diagnosed, including information about allergy testing.
Find out how allergic rhinitis is treated using self-help treatments such as non-sedating antihistamines.
Read about possible complications of allergic rhinitis, including nasal polyps, sinusitis and middle ear infections (otitis media).
Information and advice about preventing allergic rhinitis.