Allergic salute is seen in –
**Core Concept**
The "allergic salute" is a clinical sign associated with allergic rhinitis, characterized by a habitual upward deviation of the head, often accompanied by rubbing or scratching of the nose.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The allergic salute is a compensatory mechanism to alleviate nasal pruritus, which occurs due to the release of histamine and other mediators from mast cells in the nasal mucosa. Histamine binds to H1 receptors on sensory nerve endings, leading to the sensation of itching and sneezing. The upward deviation of the head helps to reduce nasal congestion and alleviate pruritus.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because the allergic salute is not typically seen in conditions that cause nasal trauma or foreign bodies.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because the allergic salute is not a characteristic feature of infectious rhinitis or sinusitis.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because the allergic salute is not a symptom of non-allergic rhinitis.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The "allergic salute" is a classic clinical sign of allergic rhinitis, and its recognition can help guide the diagnosis and management of this common condition.
**Correct Answer:** D. Allergic rhinitis.