Goals include the reduction of symptoms and improvement in the patient's quality of life and ability to function. Side effects of medications must be carefully looked for during follow-up of patients. Maximizing compliance with medications and environmental controls can be challenging for the patient and physician, especially if the patient is very young or elderly. Periodic assessment of the patient's quality of life is essential. This includes evaluation of time lost from work or other activities, sleep quality, smell and taste, fatigue level and general well-being.
Patient education is a basic part of the follow-up plan for patients with allergic rhinitis.
In addition, the presence of comorbid conditions such as sinusitis, asthma, and otitis media should be ascertained. Effective follow-up requires awareness of the patient's goals, needs and concerns. Allergen immunotherapy may be appropriate for patients with allergic rhinitis, especially if the patient is not responding to other therapeutic approaches and symptoms are interfering with the patient's ability to function. Follow-up also requires effective interaction between all health care providers as well as interaction with the patient and often the patient's family. Other reasons for referral to an otolaryngologist include the evaluation of ostiomeatal obstruction, nasal polyp surgery, biopsy of nasal tumors, or other surgical requirements.