General

Constitutional symptoms suggest allergic rhinitis.

Mouth versus nose breathing is a symptom of chronic congestion.

Eyes

Allergic shiners (i.e., dark areas under the eyes) suggest allergic rhinitis.

Conjunctivitis suggests allergic rhinitis.

Ears

Air fluid levels can suggest chronic congestion.

Nose

A deviated or perforated septum and polyps are structural causes of rhinitis.

Purulent or bloody discharge can be a sign of sinusitis.

Fiberoptic visualization can detect structural causes of rhinitis.

Mouth

Enlarged tonsils and pharyngeal postnasal discharge are associated with nonallergic rhinitis.

Neck

Lymphadenopathy suggests an infectious cause of rhinitis.

Chest

Allergic or atopic disease (e.g., asthma) supports the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis.

Skin

Allergic or atopic disease (e.g., eczema) supports the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis.