Rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, typically caused by allergens or irritants. Testing for rhinitis is a way of determining the cause of the inflammation.
Diagnostic Tests for Rhinitis
There are several diagnostic tests for rhinitis including:
Skin Prick Test: This is a type of skin test that requires pricking the skin with a small amount of an allergen or irritant and observing the reaction.
Blood Tests: Blood tests, such as the RAST (radioallergosorbent test) or ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) test, can be used to measure the level of allergens or irritants in the blood.
Nasal Smears: Nasal smears are tests that involve taking a sample of mucus from the nose and examining it under a microscope. This can help to identify any allergens or irritants present in the mucus.
Pulmonary Function Tests: Pulmonary function tests, such as spirometry, can be used to measure the airflow in the lungs and determine if there is any obstruction caused by the rhinitis.
Allergen Challenge Test: This test involves exposing the patient to a known allergen and then measuring the response. This can help to identify which allergens are causing the rhinitis.
Treatment of Rhinitis
The treatment of rhinitis depends on the underlying cause. Allergens or irritants should be avoided where possible, and the use of antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids may be recommended.