Allergic Rhinitis

the patient is atopic but is unlikely to define a specific allergen. If the cause remains elusive the patient should be asked to retrospectively document the 12 to 24 hour period immediately preceding the next episode. The documentation should be in half-hour time slots and include food, drink, drugs, contacts, and activity. If two or more episodes are documented the common factor frequently emerges. Clearly, aside from documentation, the patient must also be supplied with medication to be taken at the onset of the attack.