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- $Unique_ID{BRK00416}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{What is an "Allergic Salute"?}
- $Subject{allergy runny nose Respiratory allergies rhinitis Allergic Salute
- Salutes}
- $Volume{H-6}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
-
-
- What is an "Allergic Salute"?
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- QUESTION: During a recent examination of my 11 year old daughter for a
- persistent runny nose, the doctor mumbled something about an "allergic
- salute". I didn't want to reveal my ignorance, and thought I probably hadn't
- understood, so I didn't ask him what he meant. However, I am still fearful
- that I might have missed something important. Can you please shed some light
- on this term?
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-
- ANSWER: If you had been watching your daughter at the moment the doctor made
- his observation, you would have probably noticed that she had rubbed her nose
- with a particular gesture. With fingers pointed up and the palm facing
- outward, the back of the hand is rubbed along the side of the nose from the
- nostril upward. This motion is seen commonly in youngsters who suffer from
- allergies that irritate the tissues that line the nose, and who suffer from
- runny nose or rhinitis. I am sure you have seen your daughter repeat this
- gesture many, many times and can see how appropriate the term "allergic
- salute" really is. Actually it is quite effective, as not only does it wipe
- away the disturbing mucus flowing from the nose, but also tilts the tip of the
- nose upward, aiding your child to breathe. There is another sign of
- persistent allergic rhinitis that you may also observe. It is a horizontal
- crinkle near the lower end of the nose, called a transversal nasal crease,
- that develops as a result of frequent "saluting" and is one of the signs that
- many alert clinicians use in making a diagnosis of this condition. While all
- of this is interesting to understand, it does not represent anything truly
- serious that should cause you additional worry or anxiety about your child's
- problem.
-
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-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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