Allergic Rhinitis Flashcards
Define: Allergies
an inflammatory, IgE-mediated disease characterized by nasal congestion, rhinorrhea (nasal drainage), sneezing, and/or nasal itching caused by allergens (pollen, dust, mold, flakes, skin)
Define: Types of Allergies
seasonal, perennial, episodic environmental and indoor vs outdoor
Classification: Intermittent Allergies
<4 days/week or <4 consecutive weeks with mild or moderate-severe symptoms
Classification: Persistent Allergies
> = 4 days/week or >= 4 consecutive weeks with mild or moderate-severe symptoms
Classification: Mild symptoms
-normal sleep
-no impairment of daily activities
-no bothersome symptoms
Classification: Moderate-severe symptoms
-abnormal sleep
-impairment of daily activities
-bothersome symptoms
What are the risk factors for allergies?
family history, asthma, atopic dermatitis/eczema, higher socioeconomic class
What are the protective factors for asthma?
multiple older siblings and growing up in a farming enviroment
Signs/Symptoms: Allergies
-red, itchy, watery eyes
-sneezing, congestion, runny nose
-itchy/sore throat, cough
-fatigue
Consequences: Allergies
-acute = sinusitis, otitis media with effusion
-chronic= nasal polyps, sleep apnea, hyposomnia
-impaired quality of life and possible need for tubes or tonsils removed
What are the pharmacological treatment options for allergies?
intranasal corticosteroids, antihistamines, leukotriene receptor antagonist, decongestants
What is the pharmacological treatment suggestion for mild symtoms?
intranasal corticosteroids
What is the pharmacological treatment suggestion for moderate-severe symptoms?
intranasal corticosteroids with or without antihistamine may need referred for allergy testing or immunotherapy
What is the pharmacological treatment suggestion for congestion symptoms?
intranasal or oral decongestant
Who is excluded from Self-Care?
-children <12 years old
-pregnant/lactating women
-symptoms of infection
-undiagnosed/uncontrolled asthma/COPD
-uncontrolled symptoms after 2-4 weeks of therapy