Allergic Rhinitis, Cough & Cold Flashcards
What is hay fever?
Allergic rhinitis, or simply “allergies”
While colds are caused by a virus, allergic rhinitis is caused by?
an allergen (pollen dust, pet dander)
Non-drug treatment for allergic rhinitis?
Avoiding exposure to known or suspected allergens
an IgE-mediated skin prick test or blood test can determine patient-specific allergens
Common allergens (4)
Pollens
Molds
Dust mites
Animal dander
What is the name of the index that rates the local air as good to hazardous?
AQI - air quality index
Nasal irrigation uses what types of saline solution?
isotonic and hypertonic (2-3.5%)
What is first line for chronic, mod-severe symptoms of allergic rhinitis?
intranasal steroids
especially effective in reducing the nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis, congestion
What is first line for milder, intermittent symptoms?
oral antihistamines
little effect on nasal congestion
Brand: Rhinocort Allergy
Generic: budesonide
Brand: Flonase Allergy Relief, Flonase Sensimist, Children’s Flonase
Generic: fluticasone
Brand: Nasacort Allergy 24H & in children’s
Generic: triamsinolone
What is a common side effect from intranasal steroids?
epistaxis (nose bleeds)
How long can it take for nasal steroids to work?
1 week
What are the preferred nasal steroids in pregnancy?
budesonide and beclomethasone (Beconase AQ)
Antihistamines work by blocking histamine at the ___ receptor site
H1
first gen- more sedative
second gen- less
diphenhydramine
chlorpheniramine
doxylamine
clemastine
drug class?
First gen oral antihistamines
Brand: Aller-Chlor, Chlor-trimeton
Generic: Chlorpheniramine
Benadryl dose for adults
25-50mg PO Q4-6h (max 300mg/day)
Benadyl <6 y dose
do not use OTC, unless directed by PCP
Which drug class?
avoid in elderly
prostate enlargement
glaucoma
somnolence, cognitive impairment
first-get antihistamines