Rhinitis Flashcards
What type of hypersensitivity reaction is rhinitis?
type 1 - IgE mediated
What are the two types of rhinitis?
infective - viral URTI - bacterialif long term maybe
non infective - allergic or non allergic
What is intermittent allergic rhintis usually due to?
grass pollen
tree pollen
fungal spores
What is persistant allergic rhinitis usually due to?
house dust mite
cats
dogs
How is Allergic rhintis investigated?
RAST testing antigen skin prick test 4 week tester course of corticosteroid rhinoscopy airway potency
What is RAST testing?
IgE blood testing
tests for grass pollen, cats, dogs and house dust mites as 95% of people with allergic rhinitis have allergies to 1 of these
How is intermittent Allergic Rhinitis classed? (before treatment)
symptoms <4days per week or symptoms for <4weeks
How is persistent Allergic Rhinitis classed? (before treatment)
symptoms >4days per week or symptoms for >4weeks
How is mild Allergic Rhinitis classed? (before treatment)
normal sleep
no impairment of everyday life
no troublesome symptoms
How is moderate/severe Allergic Rhinitis classed? (before treatment)
abnormal sleep
impairment of daily routine/school/work
troublesome symptoms
What is the treatment of Allergic Rhinitis?
\+ start before pollen season starts + 1st line: allergen avoidance 2nd line: antihistamines 3rd line: topical steroids 4th line: topical steroids and antihistamines
When would immunotherapy or surgery be given for allergic rhinitis?
special severe cases
What is a problem with nasal decongestants?
cannot be used for a long time as they cause oedema
When would a topical anticholinergic be given?
to older patients with runny noses
What do Nasal polyps represent?
non allergic rhinitis
