Managing allergic rhinitis: a case-based guide

Allergic rhinitis is a common inflammatory condition that can significantly affect the individual's quality of life, sleep and psychological health. Despite its prevalence, it is often under recognised or mistaken for upper respiratory tract infections, leading to delays in appropriate treatment. This article provides a practical overview of the assessment and management of allergic rhinitis in primary care, using a fictional case study of Zara, a 26-year-old woman presenting with symptoms initially attributed to a recurring ‘summer cold’. It explores the underlying pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis, common allergen triggers and the relationship between it and other atopic conditions, including asthma and eczema. It outlines an approach to history taking, examination and diagnosis, highlighting the need to establish symptom patterns, risk factors and the use of visual analogue scales to assess symptoms, and appropriate treatment and management to improve outcomes.