Hay fever / Allergic Rhinitis Flashcards
Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis
itchy, water eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
runny, itchy nose, sneezing, congestion
What are the 2 types of Allergic Rhinitis
Perennial Rhinitis
(all year around) (house dust)
Hay fever
(seasonal, pollen)
Allergic Rhinitis referral (signs of acute asthma attack)
- chest tightness
- wheezing
- shortness of breath
- cough
Allergic Rhinitis referral (signs of eye infection)
Purulent conjunctivitis
(puss related conjunctivitis)
Allergic Rhinitis referral (signs od secondary infection)
painful ear/sinus
OTC treatment: Antihistamines (New generation)
Non-sedating
- Acrivastine (Benadryl) (12-65 years)
- Cetirizine
(6+) (liquid is 2+) - Loratadine
(2+)
OTC treatment: Antihistamines (old generation)
sedating
- Chlorphenamine (Piriton) (6+)(liquid is 1+)
- Promethazine Hydrochloride (5+) (liquid 2+)
Side effects of old generation Antihistamines
- has anticholinergic effect
- more sedative
What patients to avoid with old generation Antihistamines
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (urinary retention)
- Glaucoma (raises intracranial pressure)
- Epilepsy (increases risk of seizures)
What drugs are contraindicated with sedating antibiotics
MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
contraindicated still up to 14 days after stopping and MAOI
OTC treatment: steroid nasal spray
18+
reduces inflammation of nasal passages
- fluticasone (pirinase)
- beconase
OTC treatment: eye drops
relieves watery, itchy, irritated eyes
- sodium cromoglicate (opticrom)
- Xylometazoline (ortivine)
Advice for Hay fever
- close windows, stay indoors
- use wrap around glasses
- avoid grassy fields, parks and gardens
Advice for Perennial Allergic Rhinitis
- exclude pets from parts of house
- acaricide sprays kills house mites
- strict bedroom cleaning regime
