Desktop Helper No. 19 - A practical guide to improve rhinitis diagnosis in primary care

Rhinitis is a highly prevalent problem in all age groups that significantly impairs the lives of people with the condition, including their cohabitants. Underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis are common, which leads to under or inappropriate treatment, economic impact, and potential harm.

Most people with rhinitis manage the condition episodically, either with self-management or over-the-counter medications (OTC). Many underestimate and neglect their symptoms and often do not bring this to the attention of their general practitioner (GP). However, as this is a common problem and a frequent comorbidity affecting the management of other conditions, it needs to be recognised and managed appropriately in primary care.

Authors: Dermot Ryan, Ee Ming Khoo, Fletcher Charlton, Ian Charlton, Jaime Correia de Sousa, Juan Trujillo, Kerstin Romberg, Luís Carvalho, Osman Yusuf, Siân Williams

Reviewers: Bárbara Kong-Cardoso, Mário Morais-Almeida (WAO president)

Editor: Ian Wright

Funding: This desktop helper was funded from an educational grant from ALK-Abelló who provided a grant to support the development, typesetting, printing and associated costs but did not contribute to the concept or content of this document.

Date published: April 2025

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