THE DIAGNOSTIC-VALUE OF MEDICAL HISTORY IN NASAL ALLERGY

Diagnosis of nasal allergy is based on medical history, clinical findings and further investigations. In this study, we investigated the diagnostic value of standardized questions in nasal allergy. In detail, we asked for nasal obstruction, nasal secretions, itching, attacks of sneezing, eye symptoms, seasonal symptoms, perennial symptoms and positive familiar history. 1048 patients were included, 465 of them had allergic rhinitis. Diagnosis of nasal allergy was confirmed by skin prick test and IgE-test. The results show no significant difference between allergic patients and normals for the most questions. Only the eye symptoms and seasonal symptoms were significantly raised in patients with nasal allergy, although both were positive in less than 50%. Therefore we conclude standardized questions not sufficient for the diagnosis of nasal allergy.