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The value of negative allergy testing results
Negative results from allergy testing can be just as illuminating as positive
results. By using carefully pre-selected allergen profiles from a variety of local allergens to help rule out an allergic etiology, you can focus the evaluation on
other possible causes (including anatomical, bacterial, medical, hormonal,
and vasomotor).1,2 This further evaluation can help you select an appropriate treatment or make any necessary referrals. In
addition, you can avoid prescribing costly non-sedating antihistamines or leukotriene antagonists, which
are considered ineffective in non-allergic rhinitis patients.3 The right diagnosis, aided
by the knowledge that allergy is not a factor, means you're more likely to
recommend medications and other therapies appropriately.
Because they can have so many different causes, a number of different
approaches are used to treat non-allergic upper respiratory symptoms.
Some treatments focus on root causes, while others work to control
symptoms and lessen disease severity. Treatment options for non-allergic
conditions include4,5:
- Antibiotics (to treat underlying infection, eg, sinusitis)
- Anticholinergics (to reduce airway constriction and mucus secretion)
- Environmental control
(to reduce exposure to occupational and other non-allergic triggers)
- Nasal saline spray or irrigation (to clear congestion)
- Intranasal corticosteroids (to reduce inflammation and open air
passages)
- Decongestants (to reduce mucus volume and ease breathing)
- Referral/surgery (the only option in the most severe cases)
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