Allergy: Rhinoconjunctivitis Flashcards
What types are there?
Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis
Infectious (usually secondary to viral infection)
Non allergic, non infectious rhinitis (structural, neurogenic, hormonal, drug induced, irritant)
Rhinoconjunctivitis can be atopic (associated with IgE antibodies) or non-atopic. True or false?
True
How is it classified?
According to the pattern and severity of symptoms experienced:
- intermittent
- persistent
- mild
- moderate
- severe
Define intermittent
< 4 days per week
Or < 4 weeks
Define persistent
> 4 days per week
And > 4 weeks
How is mild disease classified?
Normal sleep
No impairment of daily activities, sport, leisure
Normal work and school
No troublesome symptoms
How is moderate- severe classified?
One or more: Abnormal sleep Impairment of daily activities, sport, leisure Abnormal work and school Troublesome symptoms
What symptoms are associated with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis?
Nasal itch Sneezing Nasal congestion Watery nasal discharge Post nasal drip Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
It affects up to….of children
20%
In addition to classic presentation of coryza and conjunctivitis, it can also present as..
Cough variant rhinitis - due to post nasal drip
Or as a chronically blocked nose causing sleep disturbance
Or with predominant eye symptoms
What other conditions is it associated with?
Eczema
Asthma
Sinusitis
Adenoidal hypertrophy
How can allergic rhinitis be treated?
Non sedating anti histamines e.g cetirizine
Topical corticosteroid nasal or eye preparations
Nasal decongestants- no more than 7-10 days due to risk of rebound effects
Should systemic corticosteroids be used for management?
No - risk of adverse effects
What does United airways disease mean?
Inflammation of the respiratory tract in which asthma = the lower manifestation and rhinitis = upper
Treatment of allergic rhinitis may improve the control of co-exist at asthma. True or false?
True
In what percentage of children with asthma, was rhinitis present?
95%
