Hayfever Flashcards
Symptoms of hayfever?
Itchy watery eyes - allergic conjunctivitis
Nasal symptoms - runny, itchy nose, sneezing, nasal congestion
Difference between perennial rhinitis and hay fever
Perennial - all year round e.g. house dust mite
Hayfever - seasonal; when pollen count is high
When to refer in hayfever?
Signs of acute asthma attack?
- Chest tightness
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
Purulent conjunctivitis (eye infection) Painful ear/sinuses (secondary infection?)
Hayfever treatments
Antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays, eye drops, nasal decongestants
What is acrivastine (benadryl)?
Age + frequency
Newer antihistamine (Non-sedating) 12-65 years, TDS
What is Cetirizine? Age + frequency
Newer antihistamine (Non-sedating) 6+ (2+ liquid) OD
What is Loratidine? Age + frequency
Newer antihistamine (Non-sedating) 2+ OD
What is Chlorphenamine (Piriton)? Age + frequency
Older antihistamine (sedating) 6+ (1+ liquid)
What is Promethazine hydrochloride (Phenergan)? Age+frequency
Older antihistamine (sedating) 5+ (2+ liquid)
Side effects of anti-histamines?
Older antihistamines - more sedative + anticholinergic (dry mouth. blurry vision. constipation. drowsiness)
Which patients to avoid for antihistamines
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (urinary retention)
Glaucoma (raises intracranial pressure)
Epilepsy (increases risk of seizures)
What meds are contraindicated with sedating antihistamines?
MAOI - up to 14 days after stopping MAOI
with SEDATING antihistamines
Steroid nasal sprays for hayfever? Age
Fluticasone - 3 months +
Beclometasone - Easyhaler® Beclometasone Dipropionate is not licensed for use in children.
Clenil Modulite® 200 and 250 are not licensed for use in children.
Eye drops for hayfever?
- Relieves watery, itchy, irritated eyes
- Sodium cromoglicate (Opticrom)
- Xylometazoline/Antazoline (Otrivine Antistin)
Xylo is also nasal decongestant
Hayfever advice
- Control allergen exposure
