What type of allergy testing is often used for diagnosing allergic rhinitis?

Skin prick testing or serum IgE tests are the primary methods employed for diagnosing allergic rhinitis. Skin prick testing involves the introduction of small amounts of allergens into the skin using a pricking device. If a person is allergic to the tested substance, a localized reaction ensues, typically resulting in a raised, itchy bump at the site of the prick. This method provides immediate results and allows for the testing of multiple allergens simultaneously.

Serum IgE tests, on the other hand, measure the levels of allergen-specific immunoglobulin E antibodies in the blood. Elevated levels of specific IgE can indicate an allergy to particular substances and are particularly useful when skin testing is not feasible, such as in patients who have extensive dermatitis or those on certain medications.

The effectiveness and reliability of these testing methods make them well-suited for diagnosing allergic rhinitis, accurately helping healthcare providers identify the allergens responsible for a patient's symptoms. Other methods, such as blood tests for specific allergens, patch testing, and elimination diets, serve different purposes in allergy diagnosis and management, and are not the standard for diagnosing allergic rhinitis specifically.