Allergies—Or Not?

Are you frustrated and confused because over-the-counter medications aren't relieving your symptoms? You might be a perfect candidate for diagnostic testing!

Spring allergies can be extremely uncomfortable, but what if those seasonal allergy symptoms are actually non-allergic rhinitis?

Knowing the difference can save time and money as well as avoid ineffective treatments.

Non-allergic rhinitis often mimics seasonal allergy symptoms. In one study of patients taking antihistamines chronically for rhinitis symptoms, 65% actually tested negative for allergies, meaning those antihistamines wouldn't work.

A diagnostic blood test can help inform the course of action – whether results indicate allergic sensitizations (positive) or not (negative).

A positive test can identify allergic rhinitis, but there’s no specific test to diagnose non-allergic rhinitis. It’s diagnosed through exclusion.

There are several types of non-allergic rhinitis:

·        Drug-induced

·        Gustatory, like spicy foods and alcohol

·        Hormonal

·        Viral

·        Occupational, like chemical irritants

·        Vasomotor, like weather changes

·        Rebound congestion from antihistamine overuse (medicamentosa)

·        Rare and unexplained symptoms (NARES)

A specific IgE blood test, along with your history and medical evaluation, can help provide clarification on whether you have allergic or non-allergic rhinitis. Let’s get started on a path to a symptom-free spring!

Compliments of: Alletess Medical Laboratory