[Diagnosis of allergic rhinitis: from clues to evidence]

The high prevalence of allergic rhinitis in westernized countries, and the impact of allergic rhinitis on asthma require a well established diagnosis. Clues of increasing value can be obtained by any practitioner, relying on information about familial and personal atopic background, a precise record of symptoms of nasal hyperreactivity rhinorrhea, sneezing and pruritus, and of the evaluation of symptoms over the year. A precise questionnaire may be completed by a biologic screening for atopy, in order to refer the patient to the allergist to add evidence of the etiology by skin tests, search for specific IgE, and nasal challenges for specific cases.