QUICK TAKE: When to consider allergy referral, part 2: Rhinitis and rhinosinusitis

This year, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) published guidelines for referring patients to an allergist/immunologist.¹ The AAAAI's recommendations for patients with asthma were summarized in the July 2006 issue of The Journal of Respiratory Diseases.

The referral guidelines for patients who have rhinitis and rhinosinusitis are presented in Tables 1 and 2, respectively.

References:

REFERENCES

1. Leung D, Schatz M, eds. Consultation and referral guidelines citing the evidence: how the allergist-immunologist can help.

J Allergy Clin Immunol.

2006;117 (suppl):S495-S523.
2. Demoly P, Allaert FA, Lecasble M; PRAGMA. ERASM, a pharmacoepidemiologic survey on management of intermittent allergic rhinitis in every day general medical practice in France.

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3. Bagenstose SE, Bernstein JA. Treatment of chronic rhinitis by an allergy specialist improves quality of life outcomes.

Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol.

1999;83: 524-528.
4. McNally PA, White MV, Kaliner MA. Sinusitis in an allergist's office: analysis of 200 consecutive cases.F

Allergy Asthma Proc.

1997;18:169-175.
5. Nathan RA, Santilli J, Rockwell W, Glassheim J. Effectiveness of immunotherapy for recurring sinusitis associated with allergic rhinitis as assessed by the Sinusitis Outcomes Questionnaire.

Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol.

2004;92:668-672.