Allergic Rhinitis, Cough and Cold Flashcards
How long do the symptoms of a common cold usually last?
Symptoms take about three days to appear and usually last for about a week
What are some symptoms of a common cold?
Sneezing, runny nose, thick and dark mucus, sore throat, body ache
What are some symptoms of allergies?
Sneezing, runny nose, thin and clear mucus, wheezing, red and watery eyes
How long do allergies symptoms last?
Symptoms can last for days or months after contact with allergens
What causes colds?
Viruses
What causes allergic rhinitis?
Exposure to allergen
What are some complications of allergic rhinitis?
Chronic sinusitis, otitis media (in children) and asthma exacerbatons
What can be utilized to determine patient-specific allergens?
IgE-mediated skin prick test or blood test
What are some common allergens?
Pollens, molds, dust mites, animal dander
What are some non-drug treatments of allergic rhinitis?
Avoiding exposure to known or suspected allergens, vacuuming carpets, drapes and upholstery with a HEPA vacuum cleaner, removing carpets and upholstered furniture, encasing pillows, mattresses and washing bedding in hot water quickly
What is AQI?
AQI is the air quality index which rates the local air as good to hazardous
How can pollen counts be useful in allergic rhinitis?
When pollen count is high. it is best to have patients stay indoors, with the windows closed and with the air conditioner
What is a disadvantage to raising children in an overly-clean environment?
Children lose the chance to build a healthy immune system
What are some agents that can provide symptom relief of allergic rhinitis?
Nasal irrigation and wetting agents provide symptom relief by reducing nasal stuffiness, runny nose and sneezing
How do nasal gels work?
Nasal gels with petrolatum can be applied around the nostrils to physically block pollens and allergens from entering the nose
*Considered safe for most populations, including children and pregnant women
How do wetting agents work?
Wetting agents contain saline, propylene or polyethylene glycol, which provide moisture and reduce irritation to the nasal passages
How does nasal irrigation work?
Nasal irrigation uses an isotonic or hypertonic saline solution to rinse out allergens and mucus, improve ciliary function and reduce swelling
How do you prepare a nasal irrigation?
- Premixed saline packets are commercially available or a salt solution can be prepared at home
- Homemade or store-bought saline solution must be combined with distilled, sterile or previously boiled and cooled water
- Tap water should not be used because it contains organisms that are safe to ingest orally but can cause infections when used for nasal irrigation
How do you administer nasal irrigations?
- Nasal irrigations can be administered using a syringe or neti pot
- Prepared saline solution is placed in the neti pot, then poured into one nostril and drained out of the other nostril
- After each use, the neti pot should be rinsed out with distilled, sterile or previously boiled water and allowed to air dry
What are some common side effects of nasal irrigations?
Mild nasal stinging or burning which are increased at higher concentrations of saline
What is the first line drug treatment in chronic, moderate-to-severe symptoms in allergic rhinitis?
Intranasal steroids
How can you treat milder, intermittent symptoms of allergic rhinitis?
Oral antihistamines
*Decongestants can be used if congestion is present
How do intranasal steroids work?
Intranasal steroids work by decreasing inflammation
What are some examples of intranasal steroids?
Budesonide (Rhinocort), Fluticasone (Flonase) Triamcinolone (Nasacort), Beclomethasone, Ciclesonide, Flunisolide, Mometasone
What are some warnings associated with intranasal steroids?
- Avoid use if recent nasal septal ulcers, nasal surgery, or recent nasal trauma due to delayed wound healing
- High doses for prolonged periods can cause: adrenal suppression, decreased growth velocity (pediatrics) and immunosuppression
- Use caution in patients with cataracts and/or glaucoma (increased intraocular pressure, open-angle glaucoma and cataracts have occurred with prolonged use)
What are some major side effects of intranasal steroids?
Epistaxis (nose bleeds), headache, dry nose, unpleasant taste, localized infection
What are some monitoring parameters of intranasal steroids?
Growth (pediatrics), vision changes, eye exams in long-term use, s/s of oral thrush and/or adrenal suppression
*If using regularly for several months, recommend periodic nasal exams to evaluation for nasal septal perforation or ulcers
What are some important notes about intranasal steroids?
- Can take up to one week to get full relief
- Budesonide and beclomethasone are the preferred nasal steroids in pregnancy
- Shake well before each use
- Discard device after total number of labeled doses, even if bottle does not feel completely empty
What are antihistamines effective for?
Antihistamines are effective in reducing symptoms of itching, sneezing, rhinorrhea and other types of immediate hypersensitivity reactions but have little effect on nasal congestion
How do antihistamines work?
Antihistamines work by blocking histamine at the histamine-1 (H1) receptor site
What are some examples of first generation antihistamines?
Examples include hydroxyzine, meclizine and diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, doxylamine, clemastine, carbinoxamine
What are some indications of diphenhydramine?
Treatment of acute allergic reactions (+/- epinephrine, depending on severity), prevention of allergic reactions (included in most premedication regimens for high-risk drugs), allergic rhinitis, cough (has antitussive properties), sleep (sedating), dystonic reactions (anticholinergic properties), motion sickness
What are some examples of disease states that can be worsened by diphenhydramine?
BPH, constipation, dementia, glaucoma
What are contraindications of first generation antihistamines?
Neonates or premature infants, breastfeeding
What are some warnings about first generation antihistamines?
- Avoid in elderly (strong anticholinergic effects) and in children < 2 years
- Can cause CNS depression/sedation
- Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease, prostate enlargement, glaucoma, asthma, pyloroduodenal obstruction and thyroid disease
- Do not use with MAO inhibitors
- Do not use diphenhydramine in children < 6 years or doxylamine in children < 12 years
What are some side effects of first generation antihistamines?
Somnolence, cognitive impairment, strong anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation) and seizures/arrhythmias at higher doses
What are some important counseling points of first generation antihistamines?
- Second generation agents are preferred for lactating women
- Should be discontinued > 72 hours prior to allergy skin testing
- Can cause photosensitivity (use sunscreens and wear protective clothing while taking)
- FDA issued a Safety Alert regarding reports of abuse/misuse of diphenhydramine by teenagers leading to serious heart problems, seizures, coma or death
Why are second-generation oral antihistamines preferred for treatment of allergic rhinitis?
They cause less sedation and cognitive impairment
What are some examples of second generation oral antihistamines?
Cetirizine, Levocetirizine, Fexofenadine, Loratadine, Desloratadine
What are some contraindications to Levocetirizine?
End-stage renal disease (CrCl < 10 ml/min), hemodialysis, infants and children 6 months to 11 years of age with renal impairment
What are some warnings associated with second-generation oral antihistamines?
- Can cause CNS depression/sedation, especially when used with other sedating drugs
- Use with caution in the elderly and in renal or hepatic impairment
What are some notable side effects of second generation oral antihistamines?
Somnolence can still be seen (more with cetirizine and levocetirizine), headache
What are some counseling points of second generation oral antihistamines?
- Fexofenadine: take with water (not fruit juice) and avoid administration with aluminum or magnesium-containing products
- Should be d/c’ed > 72 hours prior to allergy skin testing
- If using in pregnancy, loratidine and cetirizine are preferred
- Cetirizine and levocetirizine have a fast onset
- More sedating: cetirizine and levocetirizine
- Less sedating: fexofenadine and loratidine
- Some formulations of fexofenadine, loratadine and desloratadine contain phenylalanine (avoid with PKU)
What are some examples of intranasal antihistamines?
Azelastine, Olopatadine
What are some common side effects of intranasal antihistamines?
Bitter taste, headache, somnolence, nasal irritation, epistaxis, sinus pain
What is something to note with intranasal antihistamines?
Helps with nasal congestion and can be combined with an intranasal steroid (increases cost and risk for side effects)
What are decongestants and how do they work?
Decongestants are alpha-adrenergic agonists (sympathomimetics) that cause vasoconstriction, which decreases sinus vessel engorgement and mucosal edema and makes them effective at reducing sinus and nasal congestion