In clinical practice, doctors primarily rely on a detailed medical history provided by the patient to diagnose allergic rhinitis. When visiting the doctor, patients should have a thorough understanding of their condition and be able to clearly and systematically describe their symptoms and how they have progressed. Specifically, patients need to communicate when their symptoms began, the nature and duration of these symptoms, and whether they are experiencing discomfort in other areas of the body, such as the nose, ears, or other systemic issues. Accurately describing one’s medical history is a crucial step in the diagnostic process, as it allows the doctor to make an initial assessment of the potential condition.

After analyzing the patient's medical history, the doctor typically forms a preliminary diagnosis—whether it is allergic rhinitis or acute sinusitis. However, to confirm this diagnosis, a series of necessary physical examinations is often required. Nasal examination is an important part of this diagnostic process, as it provides further insight. Allergic rhinitis typically manifests with swollen and pale nasal turbinates, often accompanied by a significant amount of clear nasal discharge. On the other hand, acute sinusitis is characterized by red, swollen nasal turbinates, with the possibility of purulent discharge within the sinuses. In some cases, the doctor may also recommend imaging tests, such as a sinus CT or X-ray, to gain a more detailed understanding of the sinus condition, especially during acute flare-ups of chronic sinusitis. If a dental origin of the condition is suspected, a dental X-ray may be requested to rule out any dental-related causes.

Thus, an accurate diagnosis of allergic rhinitis or acute sinusitis not only relies on the doctor’s examination and imaging evidence but also heavily depends on the patient’s clear understanding of their own symptoms and their ability to communicate them accurately to the doctor. This information plays a critical role in the doctor’s assessment and final diagnosis.