Allergic Rhinitis & Respiratory Allergy

Causes & Risk Factors

Allergic rhinitis develops through immune sensitization to inhaled allergens, with several contributing factors:

•  Family history of allergic conditions (atopy) increases individual risk.

•  Personal history of other allergic conditions, including asthma or eczema.

•  Seasonal pollen exposure — relevant to seasonal allergic rhinitis patterns.

•  Year-round exposure to dust mites, mold, or pet dander — relevant to persistent (perennial) allergic rhinitis.

•  Living or working environment, including humidity and ventilation, which influences mold and dust mite exposure.

Symptoms & When to Test

Allergic rhinitis symptoms can be seasonal (tied to specific pollen seasons) or persistent (year-round), depending on the underlying trigger.

•  Sneezing

•  Runny nose

•  Nasal congestion

•  Nasal itching

•  Watery, itchy eyes

•  Recurrent seasonal symptom patterns, or persistent year-round symptoms

When Should You Consider Testing?

Testing is generally appropriate for recurrent or persistent symptoms suggestive of allergic rhinitis, particularly when identifying the specific trigger would help guide targeted avoidance measures or treatment.

Why Tests Are Combined

Specific IgE and an inhalant allergy panel together identify which particular environmental allergens are driving symptoms, while total IgE can provide supportive background context, though it is not allergen-specific on its own.

Because allergic rhinitis symptoms overlap significantly with non-allergic causes of nasal symptoms (such as infections or non-allergic rhinitis), allergy testing helps distinguish an allergic component from other causes, which can change the treatment approach.

The specific combination of tests ordered depends on the patient's specific symptom pattern and suspected exposures, guided by clinical assessment rather than a single fixed panel for every patient.

Tests Available at NPL

Most allergy and immunology blood tests do not require fasting. However, some tests ordered at the same time may have specific preparation requirements. Please follow the instructions provided by your doctor or NPL.

Home Sample Collection

NPL offers convenient home sample collection for Allergic Rhinitis & Respiratory Allergy blood tests, so you don't need to visit a lab in person.

→ Book your test online, via the NPL app, or by calling +977 1 5970147 and select a convenient time slot for home sample collection.

→ A certified and experienced NPL phlebotomist visits your home at the scheduled time, following strict hygiene and safety protocols.

→ Your sample is transported under controlled, monitored conditions to NPL's NABL ACCREDITED UNDER ISO15189:2012laboratory for processing.

→ Your digital report is delivered securely to your phone or email, along with access to download and share it as needed.

When to See a Doctor

•  Persistent or recurrent nasal and eye symptoms

•  Symptoms significantly affecting sleep, work, or daily activities

•  Symptoms not responding to over-the-counter treatment

•  Uncertainty about whether symptoms are allergic or due to another cause (such as infection)