Topic Overview

To help diagnose allergic rhinitis, your doctor will examine your:

• Eyes, to see if they are swollen, teary, or red, or if you have other signs of long-term (chronic) allergies.
• Nose, for swollen nasal mucous membranes and structural defects.
• Ears, for fluid in the middle ear and the appearance of the eardrum.
• Sinus areas, for tenderness and signs of infection.
• Mouth, to see whether you have changes from breathing only through your mouth.
• Back of throat, for signs of postnasal drip or infection, such as red, raised, bumpy tissue.
• Chest and lungs, for signs of infection or asthma.
• Skin, for signs of allergy, such as hives or eczema.

Children with allergic rhinitis may have the:

• "Allergic salute." Your child may often rub his or her nose upward with the palm of the hand to reduce itching and to open the nasal passages.
• "Allergic crease." Your child may often rub his or her nose and have a crease on the bridge of the nose.
• "Allergic shiner." Your child may have dark color under the eyes caused by long-term nasal blockage and swelling under the eyes.