Rhinitis (2)

Question 1

What is it?

What are its causes?

How does it present?

Answer 1

➊ Irritation and inflammation of nasal mucous membranes

➋ • Viral - Rhinovirus (most common), RSV, Coronaviruses, Enteroviruses, Adenoviruses
• Bacterial - S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae
• Allergic

➌ • Nasal congestion, Rinnorhoea
• Allergic conjunctivitis if an allergic cause

Question 2

Management:
What is done for symptomatic relief?
→ What may be a problem when using this?

What is done if an allergic cause?

What is done if a bacterial cause?

Answer 2

➊ Paracetamol, Decongestants
→ Decongestants can lead to Tachyphylaxis, which is a sudden decrease in response to a drug after it’s given, therefore higher doses are needed

➋ • Avoiding triggers
• Nasal saline irrigation
• Intranasal or oral anti-histamines
• Intranasal steroids

➌ PO Amoxicillin (Clarithromycin is pen allergic/intolerant)