Allergic and Non-Allergic Rhinitis

A 42-year-old office worker presents with a three-month history of persistent nasal congestion, intermittent clear rhinorrhea and morning sneezing episodes that he initially attributed to a lingering cold. Symptoms now interfere with sleep and daytime concentration, but he has not sought prior evaluation and denies any known allergy history. He reports no fever or facial pain but notes symptoms worsen in his workplace. What steps should be taken to diagnosis and what first-line of treatment should be recommended?

Rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal lining that causes congestion, runny nose and sneezing. Allergic rhinitis occurs when the immune system reacts to allergens like pollen or pet dander, leading to itching and sneezing. Non-allergic rhinitis has similar symptoms but is triggered by irritants, temperature changes, medications or hormones rather than an allergic response.

This course provides a evidence-based approach with real-world case studies and practical knowledge to rhinitis differentiation and management. By the end, you will be equipped to make informed, safe prescribing decisions and optimize patient outcomes in allergy management.

To enhance the development process, the general outline of this course were generated using AI technology, with human expertise ensuring accuracy and relevance.

Target Audience

  • Allergist/immunologists
  • Fellows-in-Training
  • Nurses and Nurse Practitioners
  • Physician Assistants and other Allied Health Professionals
  • Advance Practice Providers

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to:

  • Categorize a patient as allergic versus non allergic rhinitis versus mixed and identify patients who warrant additional evaluation/referral (i.e., CF, septal wall deformities, primary ciliary dyskinesia etc.).
  • Collect pertinent details of the home environment (e.g., animals, smoking exposure) and identify common stigmata of allergic disease such as nasal crease, allergic shiners and turbinate hypertrophy.
  • Recommend evaluation for aeroallergen sensitization in the appropriate clinical context and counsel on allergen avoidance and non-pharmacological management strategies tailored to specific exposures (e.g., dust mites, pollens, pets).
  • Recommend guideline-based management of rhinitis with an emphasis on internasal steroids and additional therapies (oral antihistamines, ophthalmologic agents, nasal antihistamines etc.) when needed. 

Summary

Available credit: 
  • 0.00 Attendance
    Attendance credit.
Course opens: 
06/11/2026
Course expires: 
06/11/2028
Member cost:
$0.00
Cost:
$0.00

See the Core Curriculum for Advance Practice Providers home page for faculty and credential information. 

Accreditation Statement
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Questions
Activity-related questions should be directed to [email protected].

Available Credit

  • 0.00 Attendance
    Attendance credit.

Price

Member cost:
$0.00
Cost:
$0.00
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