Differentiating Rhinitis in the Paediatric Population by Giving Focus on Medical History and Clinical Examination

Doulaptsi, Maria; Aoi, Noriaki; Kawauchi, Hideyuki; Milioni, Athanasia; Karatzanis, Alexander; Prokopakis, Emmanuel

Herein, we highlighted the role of a detailed medical history and clinical examination in the diagnosis of rhinitis in the paediatric population. A thorough medical history in combination with physical examination is extremely useful in increasing diagnostic accuracy and excluding other pathologies. Nasal endoscopy is a valuable tool which should be used every time symptoms are not typical for AR, or the existence of comorbidities cannot be ruled out. It is considered acceptable to make the diagnosis of AR and start treatment based on history and physical examination, so as not to delay treatment initiation. In cases where treatment fails, we need to take a step back to re-evaluate our data and reconsider our diagnosis. Utilization of a symptom-based and age-related approach as well as some further tests may be necessary to evaluate other possible diagnoses in children.