Allergic rhinitis. Recognizing signs, symptoms, and triggering allergens.

Runny noses, sneezing, nasal congestion, and other nuisance symptoms are part and parcel of primary care practice. But how can you quickly discern which symptoms are related to common colds and which stem from allergic rhinitis? Careful history taking usually provides clues, but allergy testing may be needed when triggers are not clear. In this first of two articles on allergic rhinitis, Dr Ferguson explains what to look for, what questions to ask, when to test for allergies, and how to modify a patient's environment to minimize problems. The second article, beginning on page 117, discusses pharmacologic treatment and immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis.