Indications for Referral
Patients with AR can be successfully initiated on AR treatment by general practitioners. Treatment success should be evaluated 2–4 weeks after the initiation of therapy. The following are indications for referral to a specialist (e.g., allergologist, ear, nose and throat [ENT] surgeon or ophthalmologist, according to symptoms): Poor or no response to treatment (based on VAS assessment). Need for
Patients with AR can be successfully initiated on AR treatment by general practitioners. Treatment success should be evaluated 2–4 weeks after the initiation of therapy.
The following are indications for referral to a specialist (e.g., allergologist, ear, nose and throat [ENT] surgeon or ophthalmologist, according to symptoms):
- Poor or no response to treatment (based on VAS assessment).
- Need for initiation of AIT.
- Assessment of aeroallergen sensitisation if not available at the primary health care level.
- Atypical nasal symptoms and signs, including unilateral involvement, epistaxis and anosmia.
- The presence of nasal polyps, septal perforation, facial deformities and significant cervical lymphadenopathy.
- Severe co-morbid allergic diseases (e.g., atopic dermatitis, asthma and food allergy).
- Warning symptoms and signs of a possible underlying immune deficiency (e.g., cystic fibrosis, inborn errors of immunity and primary ciliary dyskinesia).
- The presence of severe ocular involvement (e.g., vernal keratoconjunctivitis).
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Richards GA, McDonald M, Gray CL, et al. Allergic rhinitis: Review of the diagnosis and management: South African Allergic Rhinitis Working Group. S Afr Fam Pract. 2023;65(1), a5806. https://doi.org/10.4102/safp.v65i1.5806