Rhinitis - Allergic Differential Diagnosis

Differential Diagnosis

The differential diagnosis for allergic rhinitis includes acute or chronic infectious rhinitis, irritant rhinitis from chemical, physical, or radiation sources, and hyperesthetic non-infectious rhinitis. 

Hyperesthetic non-infectious rhinitis may be further classified into combined type (nasal hypersensitivity) which may be allergic (seasonal, perennial) or nonallergic (vasomotor or idiopathic rhinitis, rhinitis with eosinophilia syndrome); congestive type (cold rhinitis, hormonal rhinitis, medicament rhinitis, pregnant rhinopathia, psychogenic rhinitis); rhinorrhea type (cold inhalation rhinitis, gustatory rhinitis, senile rhinitis); and dry type (dry nose). 

Other diagnoses which may be considered include atopic rhinitis and specific granulomatous rhinitis. 

Allergic Asthma

Allergic asthma is the most common asthma phenotype associated with past and/or family history of allergic diseases (eg allergic rhinitis, eczema, or drug or food allergy). It usually responds well to inhaled corticosteroid treatment. Management includes assessment of disease severity, asthma symptom control, and avoidance of triggers. 

Please refer to Asthma disease management chart for further information on diagnosis and evaluation.