Allergic Rhinitis

Question 1

What are some common symptoms of allergic rhinitis?

Answer 1

Nasal itching
Rhinorrhoea/runny nose
Sneezing
Allergic conjunctivitis - itchy bilateral red eye worsened by irritants.

Question 2

What are some triggers for allergic rhinitis?

Answer 2

Pollens (hayfever) - going outside/walks
Animal fur - new animal in the house
Dust/dust mites - in bedroom/at night

Question 3

What medicines should you look out for in a patient with allergic rhinitis?

Answer 3

Sedating drugs - will interact with antihistamines.

Question 4

OTC products for allergies.

Answer 4

Antihistamines:
Cetirizine
Loratadine
Fexofenadine

Eyedrops:
Sodium cromoglicate

Nasal sprays:
Pirinase - fluticasone
Beconase - beclomethasone

Question 5

Allergy eye drops counselling?

Answer 5

Used for allergic conjunctivitis.

Contain sodium cromoglicate - not antihistamine but has an antihistamine effect to soothe eyes.

Use 1-2 drops 4x a day for up to 2 weeks. Dispose after 4 weeks.

If no improvement after 2 weeks, see GP.

May cause mild stinging or blurred vision just after using.

Question 6

Allergy nasal spray counselling points.

Answer 6

May not be suitable for under 16s or 18s, check licensing.

Are you taking any oral corticosteroids, inhalers, eczema treatments.

2 sprays in each nostril 1-2x a day (depending on product).

Blow nose before using. Tilt head forward and inhale deeply while pressing spray. Breathe out through the mouth.

Don’t use for longer than a month.

Question 7

Hayfever lifestyle advice.

Answer 7

Wear sunglasses outside.
Avoid going outside or drying clothes when pollen count is high - see online.
Put vaseline around nostrils.
Vacuum regularly.

Question 8

Dust/fur allergy lifestyle advice?

Answer 8

Wash bedding regularly at high temperature
Keep home dry and well ventilated, vacuum and dust regularly

Question 9

What are some red flags for allergies?

Answer 9

Swelling of lips, mouth, throat or tongue
Tachypnoea
Turning blue or pale
Drowsy, dizzy, confused.