— The diagnosis of allergic rhinitis is made on clinical grounds based upon the characteristic history (including presence of risk factors), symptoms and signs on physical examination, and (if indicated) the confirmed presence of allergen-specific IgE. Symptoms should also be reproducible on exposure to allergens to which the patient has been sensitized. (See "Clinical manifestations and epidemiology of allergic rhinitis (rhinosinusitis)".)

A positive response to a therapeutic trial of either topical nasal steroids or topical antihistamines does not establish a diagnosis of allergic rhinitis [6]. These two therapies, which are often useful in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, are also effective in the treatment of perennial nonallergic rhinitis [7].