Viral Rhinitis Diagnosis: Symptoms, Examination, and Testing

Viral rhinitis diagnosis relies on symptoms, physical exam, and exclusion of other conditions.

Diagnostic Process

1. Symptom observation: Onset, duration, severity of congestion, runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, headache
2. Physical exam: Nasal/throat inspection for inflammation, swelling, discharge
3. Exclusion: Rule out allergies, bacterial sinusitis, other respiratory infections via history and allergen/irritant exposure
4. Diagnostic tests (if needed):
   • Rapid antigen tests (nasal secretions)
   • Viral culture (lab identification)
   • PCR test (viral RNA detection)

Diagnosis combines clinical findings with test results when necessary.