[Differential diagnosis of allergic and vasomotor rhinopathy. Value of individual diagnostic possibilities].

History, examination, x-rays and blood tests are usually not very helpful in distinguishing between vasomotor and allergic rhinitis. The best methods are skin-tests and investigations which test the reaction of the nasal mucosa directly. Nasal provocation has so far been the best method of differentiating an allergic from non-allergic rhinitis. The estimation of IgE-concentration in nasal secretion is a promising new method. IgE values over 10 I.U. are found in persons with allergic rhinitis. The IgE-values are lower than 10 I.U. in more than 90% of non-allergic subjects. Estimation of IgE-concentration in nasal secretions seems to be as good as the nasal provocation test but easier.