Volume 1, Number 3, June 2007

Diagnosing allergy in asthma and allergic rhinitis
Jan Chantrell

Patients with allergic asthma, intermittent (seasonal) or persistent (perennial) allergic rhinitis, represent a significant proportion of primary care consultations. There is growing awareness of allergy and the possibility of an allergic component as the cause of a wide variety of symptoms. It is important to understand how to diagnose atopy to ensure appropriate management and care of our patients. Diagnosing allergy is initially about asking the right questions, followed by confirming or refuting the diagnosis by objective testing. In this article, we explore history taking and objective testing that will help us to manage and advise patients appropriately.

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