An Updated Insight about Diagnosis of Allergic Rhinitis

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is often underdiagnosed or undertreated by physicians. The global prevalence of AR among children and adults is about 25 and 40 %, respectively. Furthermore, it has a negative impact on patients’ quality of life (QOL) in form of interference with daily activities, difficulty of breath, sleep problems and school absenteeism. AR is an IgE‐mediated disease, triggered by exposure to environmental allergens leading to sensitization and activation of mast cell and basophil with release of several inflammatory mediators (such as histamine, leukotrienes, prostaglandins and platelet-activating factor. The diagnosis of AR is made by taking a detailed history supported by careful clinical examination. Usually, the diagnosis of AR is confirmed by detection of IgE sensitization to certain allergens by in vivo skin tests or in vitro tests, which may be performed in different ways.  Molecular allergy diagnosis is based on the detection of IgE specific against single allergen components (molecules) from specific allergen source using native or recombinant allergens. An allergenic component is a single protein molecule that can induce an allergic immune response.