Respiratory OTC - Allergic Rhinitis

Question 1

Define Allergic Rhinitis. (1)

Answer 1

Inflammatory response to inhaled substance.

Question 2

What are the types of allergic rhinitis? (2)

Answer 2

Seasonal: (occurs at same time each year) e.g. hay fever.
Perennial: symptoms occur throughout the year e.g. house dust mite/animal fur/feathers/fungal spores/dust.

Question 3

What are the symptoms of allergic rhinitis? (6)

Answer 3

Sneezing
Rhinnorhoea
Nasal Congestion
Nasal itch
Mouth/Palate Irritation
Itchy eyes with lacrimal ion + conjunctivitis

Question 4

What are the treatment aims of allergic rhinitis? (5)

Answer 4

Histamine: (prevention of release, reduced effect)
Symptomatic relief/prophylactic tx.
Reduced exposure
Oral vs. Topical Tx.

Question 5

What are the treatment options for allergic rhinitis? (6)

Answer 5

Oral antihistamines (sedative/non-sedative)
Combination
Nasal prep.
Mast cell stabilisers
Topical antihistamines

Question 6

What counselling is given to patients with allergic rhinitis? (7)

Answer 6

Avoid going out
Keep windows, doors, vents closed.
Wear sunglasses.
Shower + change clothes after going out.
Avoid camping, mowing lawns.
Don’t leave clothes on washing line.
Caution contact lens wearer.

Question 7

What counselling is given to patients with perennial allergic rhinitis? (7)

Answer 7

Acaricide/fungicides
Non-allergenic pillows
Mattress + pillow covers
Wash bedding weekly at 60 degrees Celsius.
Minimal furniture
Damp dust
Vacuum regularly.

Question 8

What are the alarm symptoms of allergic rhinitis? (5)

Answer 8

Wheezing/SOB
Prolonged/severe earache
Facial pain (sinusitis)
Coloured nasal discharge
Purulent conjunctivitis