Correlation between Clinical History, Skin Test, RAST and Nasal Provocation Test in Patients with Perennial Allergic Rhinitis

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Correct diagnosis for allergic rhinitis is important for optimal management. A thorough history should be taken, followed by general and endoscopic examinations and confirmatory investigations. The role of diagnostic tests in the evaluation of patients with allergic rhinitis continues to evolve. This clinical study was performed to identify the relationship between clinical history and diagnostic tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Questionnaire surveys for clinical history, skin test, RAST, and nasal provocation test (acoustic rhinometry and symptom score) to the house dust mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) were performed in 100 patients from July, 1996 to August, 1998 at Inha University Hospital. The relationship between clinical history (change of syagoides pteronyssinus antigen (Allergopharma, Reinbeck, USA) was sprayed and 15 with PC-SAS. (ver 6.120) RESULTS: There was no correlation between clinical history and the diagnostic tests. However there was a correlation between the results of either skin or RAST testing and those of nasal provocation test. CONCLUSIONS: More careful and complete history taking is needed for diagnosis of allergic rhinitis. The combined use of RAST, skin testing and nasal provocation test yields more information.