Allergies or Something Else? Understanding Chronic Allergy-Like Symptoms
Is it Allergies or Something Else?
Spring allergies can be extremely uncomfortable for you and your family, but what if those sneezing, congestion, and watery eye symptoms are actually caused by non-allergic rhinitis rather than seasonal allergies?
Save time and money
Persistent allergy-like symptoms can lead to repeated physician visits, testing, and medication use when the underlying cause is not clearly identified. Understanding whether allergies are contributing to your symptoms can help guide more appropriate treatment options and avoid the frustration of trial-and-error approaches.
Avoid ineffective treatments
Non-allergic rhinitis often mimics seasonal allergy symptoms, such as congestion, watery eyes, and runny nose¹. If you are frustrated and confused because your over-the-counter medications aren't relieving symptoms, diagnostic testing might be a good solution.
One study found that many patients taking antihistamines for chronic rhinitis symptoms tested negative for allergies. Identifying whether allergies are contributing to your symptoms can help guide more appropriate treatment options.²
A diagnostic blood test can help inform your medical treatment, whether results indicate allergic sensitizations (positive) or not (negative).
Recognize non-allergic triggers
Allergy testing can help determine whether allergies may be contributing to chronic rhinitis symptoms and help guide treatment decisions. Non-allergic rhinitis is typically diagnosed after allergic causes have been ruled out. If allergy testing is negative, you can work with your healthcare provider to identify and manage potential non-allergic triggers.
Common triggers may include certain medications, spicy foods, alcohol, hormonal changes, viral infections, cigarette smoke, weather changes, pollution, and chemical irritants.¹,³
An allergy blood test, along with your medical history and clinical evaluation, can help determine whether your symptoms may be related to allergies or non-allergic rhinitis.
Understanding the cause of your symptoms is an important first step toward finding the most effective treatment and enjoying the spring season with greater comfort.
Allergy Testing Made Easy
If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to allergies, HNL Lab Tests Direct offers convenient access to allergy blood testing without a physician's order.Test results can help support informed conversations with your healthcare provider about symptom management and treatment options.Explore Allergy Tests Available Through HNL Lab Tests Direct
REFERENCES
¹Wheeler, P.W., & Wheeler, S. F. (2005). Vasomotor rhinitis. American Family Physician, 72(6), 1057-1062.
²Szeinbach, S. L., Williams, B., Muntendam, P., & O'Connor, R. D. (2004). Identification of allergic disease among users of antihistamines. Journal of Managed Care Pharmacy: JMCP, 10(3), 234–238. https://doi.org/10.18553/jmcp.2004.10.3.234
³Quillen, D. M., & Feller, D. B. (2006). Diagnosing rhinitis: allergic vs. nonallergic. American Family Physician, 73(9), 1583–1590.
Updated: 6/1/26