OTC Allergic Rhinitis Flashcards
Classification of “Seasonal” Allergic Rhinitis (SAR)?
Classification depends on timing and duration of symptoms
Intermittent
Specific allergens responsible
Predictable occurrence
Classification of “Perennial” Allergic Rhinitis (PER)?
Classification depends on timing and duration of symptoms
Persistent
Non-seasonal allergens responsible
Year round occurrence (pet, cats, mold,)
Causes of Non-Allergic Rhinitis?
*Overuse of topical decongestants – Only can use for 3 days, after will cause rebound congestions
Drug-Induced B-Blockers ACEIs Chlorpromazine Clonidine Hydralazine Oral Contraceptives ASA NSAIDS
Immune Response: Immediate
Immediate reaction - within minutes of exposure
Rapid release of histamine, chemotactic factors, kinins, leukotrienes
Causes vasodilation, nasal congestion, and secretion of mucous – Use Nasal Congest-ant to constrict.
Immune Response: Late phase
Late phase reaction - several hours later
Renewed allergic symptoms due to influx of inflammatory cells & hyperresponsive mucosa (nasal congestion, rhinorrhea)
Signs and Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis - Important Slide
Rhinorrhea Nasal congestion Pruritus (eyes, nose) Ocular discharge (lacrimation) Sneezing Postnasal drip Conjunctivitis
“Allergic shiners” —Black Eyes
“Allergic salute”—tip of nose
“Allergic gape”—sleep with mouth open
Decreased sense of smell (hyposmia)
Physician Referral for Allergic Rhinitis
Children < 12 years of age*
Pregnant or lactating women*
Goals of Therapy: Allergic Rhinitis
Goals of Therapy
Reduce symptoms
Provide optimal symptomatic relief and control of symptoms
Improve the patient’s functional status and sense of well being
Non-Pharmacologic Therapy: Avoidance
Avoidance of allergens is the most important and safest method in preventing symptoms of allergic reactions
Indoor Allergens:
Encasing mattress, box springs, and pillows with dust-mite impermeable materials
Outdoor Allergens:
Avoiding outdoor activities when pollen counts are high and closing house and car windows
Avoiding activities that disturb decaying plant material
Non-Pharmacologic Therapy Examples?
HEPA filter
(High Efficiency Particulate) : Helpful with dust mites
Nasal Passage Strips
Nasal Wetting Agents
Neti-Pots:
MUST USE SALT PACKETS—SODUIM CHOLRINE PACKETS IN NASAL SPRAY
DON’T USED Table SALT
DO NOT USE TAP WATER, USE DISTILLED WATER
GREAT FOR PREGNANT PATIENTS
Non-Pharmacologic Therapy : Nasal Wetting Agents
May relieve nasal irritation and dryness therefore decreasing stuffiness, rhinorrhea, and sneezing
Saline (i.e. Ocean Nasal Spray ®), propylene, polyethylene glycol sprays
Neti-pots, saline nasal irrigation systems
Non-Pharmacologic Therapy : HEPA filters
Removes pollen, mold spores, and cat allergens
Non-Pharmacologic Therapy:
Nasal Passage Strips
Vicks ® Breathe Right Strips
Initiation of Pharmacotherapy: Allergic Rhinitis
Regularly or As needed
must use REGULARLY
i.e. antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers
Initiation of Pharmacotherapy: Allergic Rhinitis
SAR (Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis)
Start medications at least 1 week before symptoms usually appear
Initiation of Pharmacotherapy: Allergic Rhinitis
PER (Perennial Allergic Rhinitis)
Start medications before known exposure
Length of Therapy: Pharmacotherapy therapy
Duration and severity of symptoms
Pattern of allergen exposure (i.e. episodic vs. continuous)
Geographical location -WORSENS symptoms (could be in the amazon forest)
Pharmacotherapy for Allergic Rhinitis
Intranasal Corticosteroids
Antihistamines
(Systemic): First generation (sedating, nonselective)
Second generation (non-sedating, peripherally selective)
Topical Ophthalmic Antihistamines
Cromolyn Sodium Nasal Spray
Decongestants:
Systemic Decongestants
Topical Nasal Decongestants
Combination Products – ALLEGRA D
Intranasal Corticosteroids
Nasacort ® Allergy 24 HR
Triamcinolone acetonide
Flonase ® Allergy Relief
Fluticasone propionate
Intranasal Corticosteroids: Adverse Effects
sore throat
DO NOT AIM TOWARDS NASAL SEPTUM??? TILT HEAD DOWN A BIT TOWARDS THE NASAL SPRAY.
Administration of FLONASE
GOLD STANDARD
Do NOT blow nose for 15 minutes after use