Hayfever

Question 1

Allergic rhinitis symptoms

Answer 1

Itchy, watery eyes
Runny, itchy nose, sneezing

Question 2

Types of rhinitis

Answer 2

Hay fever - seasonal, when pollen count is high

Perennial rhinitis -symptoms that present all year round, due to house dust mite ect;

Question 3

Hay fever/allergic rhinitis

Answer 3

Chest tightness
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Cough
(All signs of acute asthma attack)

Painful ear/sinuses (secondary bacterial infection presenting as otitis media/sinusitis)

Question 4

Types of antihistamines

Answer 4

Non-sedating:
Acrivastine 12-65 TDS
Cetirizine OD
Loratidine OD

Sedating:
Chlorphenamine 1+
Promethazine 2+

Question 5

Antihistamine side effects

Answer 5

Older antihistamines have more sedative and anticholinergic effects

Question 6

Antihistamines caution

Answer 6

Avoid in:

benign prostatic hyperplasia
Glaucoma
Epilepsy (increases risk of seizures)

The effects of antihistamines are intensified with sympathomimetics so are contraindicated with sedating antihistamines (and up to 14 days after stopping an MAOI)

Question 7

Hay fever/allergic rhinitis (more intense symptoms0

Answer 7

Steroid nasal sprays
Reduces inflammation of the nasal passages
- Fluticasone (pirinase)
- Beclometasone (beconase)

Eye drops
Relieves watery, itchy, irritated eyes
- Sodium cromoglicate
- Xylometazoline/antazoline

Nasal decongestants
- short-term relief from nasal congestion

Question 8

Control allergen exposure

Answer 8

HAYFEVER

Close windows
Use wrap sunglasses
Avoid grassy fields, parks and gardens

PERENNIAL ALLERGIC RHINITIS

Exclude pets from areas of the house
Strict bedroom cleaning regime