What tests are often conducted to diagnose allergic rhinitis?

What tests are often conducted to diagnose allergic rhinitis?

• A. Blood glucose tests
• B. Skin prick tests
• C. X-rays of the sinuses
• D. Blood cholesterol tests

Answer: (B)

Diagnosing allergic rhinitis relies on showing sensitization to specific airborne allergens. Skin prick testing does this directly: tiny amounts of common allergens are applied to the skin and lightly pricked. If you’re sensitized, a small raised bump with redness appears within minutes, indicating an IgE-mediated reaction to that allergen. This helps identify which allergens trigger symptoms and guides both avoidance strategies and targeted therapies. The other tests don’t fit this purpose. Blood glucose tests assess sugar control, not allergies. X-rays of the sinuses can show sinusitis or anatomical issues but don’t prove allergic sensitization. Blood cholesterol tests are unrelated to allergic processes.

Diagnosing allergic rhinitis relies on showing sensitization to specific airborne allergens. Skin prick testing does this directly: tiny amounts of common allergens are applied to the skin and lightly pricked. If you’re sensitized, a small raised bump with redness appears within minutes, indicating an IgE-mediated reaction to that allergen. This helps identify which allergens trigger symptoms and guides both avoidance strategies and targeted therapies.

The other tests don’t fit this purpose. Blood glucose tests assess sugar control, not allergies. X-rays of the sinuses can show sinusitis or anatomical issues but don’t prove allergic sensitization. Blood cholesterol tests are unrelated to allergic processes.