Medical Health Encyclopedia

In February 2006, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration approved a new, faster test for diagnosing strains of avian influenza (bird flu) in people suspected of having the virus. The test is called the Influenza A/H5 (Asian lineage) Virus Real-time RT-PCR Primer and Probe Set. The test gives preliminary results within 4 hours. Older tests required 2 to 3 days.

Ruling out Other Causes of Congestion

Ruling out Allergic Rhinitis. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis include nasal obstruction and congestion, which are similar to the symptoms of a cold. People with allergies, however, are likely to have the following:

• Thin, clear, and runny nasal discharge
• An itchy nose, eyes, or throat
• Recurrent sneezing

There are two forms of allergic rhinitis:

• Symptoms that appear only during allergy season are called allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay or rose fever. [For more information see In-Depth Report # 77 Allergic Rhinitis.]
• Allergens in the house, such as house dust mites, molds, and pet dander, can cause year-long allergic rhinitis, referred to as perennial rhinitis.

Click the icon to see an image of common allergens.

Text Continues Below

---

Ruling out Sinusitis. The signs and symptoms suggestive of true acute sinusitis include the following:

• A return of congestion and discomfort after initial improvement in a cold (called double sickening)
• Purulent (pus-filled) nasal secretion
• A lack of response to decongestant or antihistamine
• Pain in the upper teeth or pain on one side of the head
• Pain above or below both eyes when leaning over

Children with sinusitis are less likely to have facial pain and headache and may only develop a high fever or prolonged upper respiratory symptoms (such as a daytime cough that does not improve for 11 to 14 days). When the diagnosis is unclear or complications are suspected, further tests may be required. [For more information see In-Depth Report # 62 Sinusitis.]

Ruling Out Other Causes of Coughing