[The diagnosis and prophylaxis in respiratory allergy (author's transl)]

An exact evaluation of the patient symptoms by a variety of methods permits proper diagnosis. A complete diagnosis should include in addition to the skin test, an exposure test, the specific IgE (RAST) determination and possibly the provocation test. A case history is a basic requirement with subsequent evaluation of all test data to reinforce the proposed diagnosis. To minimize allergic symptoms the following is recommended, avoidance of exposure to allergens (rarely possible), reduction of exposure through patient education and use of appropriate prophylactic therapy.