Allergic Rhinitis Flashcards
What causes allergic rhinitis?
sensitization to an allergen which produces IgE then produces inflammation upon re exposure
What is the early phase reaction of allergic rhinitis?
sneezing and itchy eyes due to histamine, tryptase and chymase release
What are the “quickly made” mediators of allergic rhinitis?
platelet activating factor, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins, all of which lead to stuffy nose and mucous production
What are the late phase mediators of allergic rhinitis?
cytokines and chemokines, cause more congestion and rhinorrhea
What should be on the DDx for allergic rhinitis with nasal polyps?
chronic sinusitis, allergic fungal sinusitis, Samter’s triad (aspiring intolerant asthma), and cystic fibrosis
What causes nasal septal perforation?
cocaine use, trauma, and CTD
What is on the DDX for unilateral nasal polyps?
nasopharyngeal carcinoma
How do you test for allergic rhinitis?
skin testing (preferred) or IgE mediated blood testing
What is the first line of treatment for allergic rhinitis?
avoidance of triggers
What are the first line mediations for moderate to severe allergic rhinitis that cannot be controlled via trigger avoidance?
nasal steroids
What is immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis?
allergy shots and tablets - decrease symptoms once in maintenance phase
What are some complications associated with allergic rhinitis?
sleep apnea, eustachian tube dysfunction, sinusitis and asthma
