In a patient with allergic rhinitis, which symptom commonly indicates the condition?

Swollen nasal turbinates are a common indication of allergic rhinitis because this condition involves an inflammatory response to allergens, leading to nasal congestion and swelling of the tissues in the nasal passage. The turbinates, which are structures inside the nose that help humidify and filter air, become engorged with blood and may swell as a result of increased blood flow during an allergic reaction.

In contrast, fever is more characteristic of infections rather than allergic conditions and does not typically present in allergic rhinitis. Purulent nasal discharge often suggests a bacterial infection or sinusitis, not allergies, which usually involve clear nasal discharge. Chronic cough can occur but is not a primary symptom associated with allergic rhinitis; it may arise due to post-nasal drip or other unrelated conditions. Thus, the presence of swollen nasal turbinates is a direct manifestation of the allergic response, making it a key symptom in identifying allergic rhinitis.