Nose Flashcards
What is allergic rhinitis
IgE mediated allergic reaction
Which type of hypersensitivity is allergic rhinitis part of
Type 1 immediate hypersentivity- since it is IgE mediated
What is considered as intermittent allergic rhinitis
Symptoms <4 days per week or symptoms <4 weeks
What is considered as persistent allergic rhinitis
Symptoms >4 days per week AND symptoms >4 weeks
Common triggers for intermittent allergic rhinitis
Grass pollen
Tree pollen
Fungal spores
common triggers for persistent allergic rhinitis
House dust mite
Cats
Dogs
Allergic rhinitis is often associated with
Allergic conjunctivitis
An atopic patient with allergic rhinitis is likely to
Also have atopic eczema / asthma / allergic conjunctivitis
Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis
red eyes
puffy eyes
watery discharge
Symptoms of allergic rhinitis
Sneeze
Nasal itching
Nasal discharge
Nasal congestion
Allergic crease
What is allergic crease
hyper pigmented skin line on nose caused by constantly rubbing the nose in an upwards motion = indicates repeated itching of nose
Investigations for allergic rhinitis
Clinical - symptoms may show seasonal variation
IgE level, skin prick test if in doubt
Management for mild allergic rhinitis
Avoid allergen
Nasal irrigation
Oral / intra-nasal anti-histamines
Intranasal chromone if antihistamine is contraindicated
Management for moderate-severe allergic rhinitis
Intranasal steroids
Intranasal steroids + oral antihistamines if symptoms persist
Short course oral steroids if severe, uncontrolled symptoms significantly affecting quality of life
Example of intranasal antihistamine used for allergic rhinitis
Azelastine
Example of oral anti-histamines
Loratadine
Cetirizine
What is used for a patient with allergic rhinitis if topical antihistamine is contraindicated
Intranasal chromone - sodium cromoglicate
Example of intranasal steroids
Mometasone furoate
Fluticasone furoate
Beclometasone
What is non-allergic rhinitis
inflammation of the inside of the nose that is not caused by an allergy
Causes of non-allergic rhinitis
Infections - viral
Vasomotor rhinitis
Occupational rhinitis
Hormonal rhinitis
Drug-induced
What is vasomotor rhinitis
Non-allergic rhinitis due to parasympathetic overdrive (autonomic dysfunction)
Triggers of vasomotor rhinitis
Chemical irritants
Changes in weather
Excess humidity
Very dry atmosphere
Stress
What is occupational rhinitis
Non-allergic rhinitis symptoms only occur in workplace due to inhaled irritants such as latex, wood dust
What drugs can cause drug induced rhinitis
ACEi
Beta blockers
NSAID
Cocaine
Symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis
Runny nose, clear discharge
Sneezing
Itchy nose
Nasal congestion
Management of non-allergic rhinitis
Supportive for viral cause
Avoid triggers
Consider anticholinergics for vasomotor rhinitis
Complications of non-allergic rhinitis
Sinusitis
Nasal polyps