Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (Hayfever)

Question 1

What is seasonal allergic rhinitis?

Answer 1

Hayfever is an allergic condition that varies in prevalence, depending on the time of year.

Question 2

What causes hayfever symptoms?

Answer 2

The immune system recognises pollen as a harmful pathogen and releases antibodies to attack the allergen.

Question 3

What is histamine?

Answer 3

Histamine is a chemical that is released to stop the spread of what the immune system recognises as an infection cause by pollen.

Question 4

What are the common symptoms for hayfever?

Answer 4

Sneezing
Runny nose
Nasal congestion 
Coughing 
Itchy eyes, ears, nose and mouth.

Question 5

What are antihistamines and how do they work?

Answer 5

Medication for hayfever that blocks the action of histamine. They tend to start working quickly to relieve symptoms.

Question 6

What are the two types of antihistamine?

Answer 6

Sedating and non-sedating antihistamines

Question 7

Analyse the positives and negatives of sedating antihistamines

Answer 7

Cause drowsiness and work for a shorter duration so need to be taken more regularly (usually around every 4-6 hours). Care needs to be taken when recommending this product due to the sedative nature. However, they tend to be more affordable that the non-sedative varieties.

Question 8

Analyse the positives and negatives of non-sedating antihistamines

Answer 8

They tend to be more expensive but have a longer working duration, meaning they don’t need to be taken as regularly. They also do not do not cause drowsiness.

Question 9

Give examples of sedating antihistamines

Answer 9

Chlorphenamine (piriton tablets)

Question 10

Give examples of non-sedating antihistamines

Answer 10

Acrivastine
Cetirizine
Loratidine

Question 11

What are other treatments for hayfever?

Answer 11

Eye drops and nasal sprays.

Question 12

What eye drops can be used as hayfever treatment?

Answer 12

Mast cell stabilisers, such as sodium cromoglicate

Question 13

How do mast cell stabilisers work?

Answer 13

Stabilise mast cells and prevent them from releasing histamine.

Question 14

What are the types of nasal spray available for hayfever treatment?

Answer 14

Cortisteriod sprays
Decongestant sprays
Saline sprays

Question 15

How are cortisteroid sprays used?

Answer 15

Used on a daily basis and are effective against all allergy symptoms.

Question 16

How should decongestant sprays be used?

Answer 16

They relieve congestion by shrinking the swollen nasal lining. Should only be used for short periods to prevent symptoms from recurring.

Question 17

What do saline sprays do?

Answer 17

Saline sprays are non-medicated and wash away allergens. Extra ingredients can be added to form a protective film, preventing allergens from irritating the lining of the nose.

Question 18

There is a cure for hayfever. True or false?

Answer 18

False - there is currently no cure, however, the symptoms can be relieved.

Question 19

When should patients be referred to a pharmacist?

Answer 19

When they have not had hayfever before; are pregnant or breastfeeding; are taking other medication; also suffer from asthma; report wheezing, breathlessness or feeling of tightness in the chest; or if the patient reports sinus pain, headaches or yellow/green nasal discharge.