Chapter 37: Allergic Rhinitis, Cough and Cold

Question 1

What are other names for allergic rhinitis?

Answer 1

Hay fever, allergies

Question 2

What are symptoms of allergic rhinitis?

Answer 2

They are very similar to symptoms of a cold: Fever, cough, watery, itchy eyes,

Question 3

What is a cold caused by? What is allergic rhinitis caused by?

Answer 3

A cold is caused by a virus. There are more than 200 viruses that are capable of causing the cold. Allergic rhinitis is caused by exposure to an allergen of the environment such as pollen or dander.

Question 4

What is a non-drug treatment to not get allergic rhinits?

Answer 4

Avoid exposure to the allergen. However, this could sometimes be difficult to do. Basically, being clean will reduce the chances of getting allergic rhinitis. This means using HEPA filters, having clean carpets, clean air, etc…

Question 5

What can be done to determine patient specific allergens?

Answer 5

Take an IgE-mediated skin prick test