| ID | 14 |
|---|---|
| Name | ALLERGIC RHINITIS1,2,3 (HAY FEVER) |
| Cause | Allergic rhinitis is a common cause of nasal inflammation and congestion in our population. It may be seasonal or year-round problem in different class of people. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is most commonly caused by pollens and spores. Dust, household mites, air pollution, and pet dander may produce year-round symptoms, known as ‘perennial rhinitis.’ The mechanism of allergic rhinitis in a predisposed individual starts by exposure to an akborne allergen. This activates both humoral (B-cell) and cyotoxic (T-cell) immune systems with subsequent allergen-specific IgE responses, which inturn cause release of inflammatory mediators. The response is increased when antigen is passed to regional lymph nodes and activates more T-cells. Interleukin and cytokine release causes specific activation of mast cells, eosinophils, plasma cells, basophils and other T-cells. Many of these circulating cells then migrate into the nasal and ocular epithelium, where they release proinflammatory mediators viz, histamine, prostaglandins, and kinins, which lead to manifest symptoms.1 |
| Signs Symptoms | sneezing. an itchy nose. a runny or blocked nose. itchy, red and watery eyes. a cough. the roof of your mouth being itchy. |
| Diagnosis | Made through a comprehensive history and physical examination. Further diagnostic testing using skin-prick tests or allergen-specific IgE tests is usually required to confirm that underlying allergies cause the rhinitis |
| Investigations | Made through a comprehensive history and physical examination. Further diagnostic testing using skin-prick tests or allergen-specific IgE tests is usually required to confirm that underlying allergies cause the rhinitis |
| Management | The management of allergic rhinitis consists of 3 major categories of treatment, (1) environmental control measures and allergen avoidance, (2) pharmacological management, and (3) immunotherapy. Environmental control measures and allergen avoidance involve both the avoidance of known allergens (substances to which the patient has IgE-mediated hypersensitivity) and avoidance of nonspecific, or irritant, triggers. Consider environmental control measures, when practical, in all cases of allergic rhinitis. However, global environmental control without identification of specific trigger |
| Introduction | |
| History | |
| Etiology | Allergen, such as pollen, dust, mould, or flakes of skin from certain animals. |
| Clinical Features | See under Sign and Symptoms |
| Preventions | To avoid exposure to pollen: check weather reports for the pollen count and stay indoors when it's high. avoid line-drying clothes and bedding when the pollen count is high. wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen. keep doors and windows shut during the mid-morning and early evening. |
| Treatment | Several allergy medications can improve symptoms and help you live with hay fever. These treatments come in many forms, including liquids, pills, eye drops, nasal sprays and injections. Talk to your provider before taking any medication, especially if you’re pregnant or have other health concerns. Your provider may suggest: Antihistamines: Antihistamine medications are available with a prescription or over the counter. They work by blocking the histamine that your body releases during an allergic response. Antihistamines come as pills, liquids, eye drops, nasal sprays and inhalers. They include: Loratadine , Desloratidine Cetirizine , Levocitrizine Fexofenadine Antihistamines can cause drowsiness. Avoid alcohol when taking antihistamines, especially if you’re going to drive. Decongestants: These medications relieve congestion in the nose and sinuses. You can take decongestants by mouth (in pill or liquid form) or use a nasal spray. They include: Nasal spray. Phenylephrine nasal spray Pseudoephedrine Decongestants can increase blood pressure and cause headaches, trouble sleeping and irritability. Nasal decongestants can be addictive if used longer than five days. Be sure to talk to your provider before taking them. Corticosteroid nasal sprays: These sprays and inhalers reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms of hay fever. Side effects include headaches, nasal irritation, nosebleeds and cough. Leukotriene inhibitors: During an allergic reaction, the body releases leukotriene, histamines and other chemicals that cause inflammation and hay fever symptoms. Available only with a prescription, these pills block leukotriene. The most common leukotriene inhibitor is montelukast . Some people experience changes in mood, vivid dreams, involuntary muscle movements and skin rash when taking this medication. . |
| Complications | A blocked or runny nose can result in difficulty sleeping, drowsiness during the daytime, irritability and problems concentrating. Allergic rhinitis can also make symptoms of asthma worse |
| Prognosis | |
| Types | |
| Classification | |
| Observation | |
| Pathology |
© Pakistan Drug Directory. All Rights Reserved.
Designed By: Pakistan Drug Directory Team