[Medical history: diagnostic tool for allergic rhinitis]

To determine the diagnostic value of the medical history in the allergic rhinitis.

This study included 112 subjects, sex indistinct, between 2 and 31 years old, mean. We made 2 groups, one of the cases and another of control. Data were obtained by medical history, laboratory test and X-Ray of the upper respiratory tract. The gold standard of the diagnosis was the skin testing. We assessment, sensitivity (S), specificity (E), predictive value positive (VP+), and predictive value negative (VP-) RESULTS: From total subjects, 53.57% were female, the evolution mean time was 4 years, with 5 monthly acute crisis. In 80% of the cases was perennial the presentation. 57.14% had family history of allergy (S = 57%, E = 100%, p = 0.0001). Clinical dates obtained were: sneezing 75% of the cases (S = 75%, E = 100%, p = 0.0001), nasal congestion 50% (S = 50%, E = 100%, p = 0.0001). 30.35% had risen above the upper level of circulating eosinophils (S = 30.35%, E = 91%, p = 0.0049), 26.78% had high levels of IgE (S = 26%, E = 87.5% p = 0.0002), in 78.57% were found nasal mucous eosinophils (S = 39.28%, E = 89.28%, p = 0.0009) and in 10.34% were identified intestinal parasitosis (P = NS).

In accordance with this work, it is necessary to promote a change in attitude, utilizing the medical history as a diagnostic instrument and do not restrict prevention and opportunity in treatment to laboratory results.