Better Health. No Hassles.

Sokan Hunro, PAC, MPH

Allergies

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Allergic Rhinitis (AR)

• Is a common allergic reaction that causes inflammation in the lining of the nose

• Is strongly linked to asthma– Allergies affect the upper airway which can trigger the

lower airway, inducing an asthma attack

– People with allergies are six times more likely to have asthma

• Frequently confused with the common cold

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Triggers

• Year Round Triggers– Dust mites

– Animal dander

– Mold spores

• Seasonal Triggers– Pollen from trees, grass weeds

– Outdoor molds

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Signs and Symptoms

• Signs & Symptoms of AR– Runny nose

– Nasal itching

– Sneezing

– Congestion

– Nasal swelling

– “Allergic shiners” (dark circle under eyes)

– Mouth breathing

– Postnasal drips which frequently lead to sore throat

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Management of AR

• Avoiding Allergy Triggers– Mold spores

− Keep all rooms clean and dry to prevent mold from forming

− Use a humidifier in damp rooms

− Keep plants out of your bedroom

– Animal dander− Avoid contact with furry or feathery pets (cat, dog, bird) when

possible

− If you own any of these pets, keep them out of the bedroom (and out of the house, if possible)

– Dust mites− Use allergy-proof covers on your box-spring, mattress and

pillows

− Vacuum your house often to remove dust mites from the carpet and furniture

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Management of AR

– Check pollen counts− Stay indoors and close your windows when pollen count in

your area is high

− Use an air conditioner at home and in your car on days when pollen count is high

• Medications– Over-the-Counter Antihistamines

− Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

− Loratadine (Clarintin, Alavert

− Cetirizine (Zyrtec)

– “Behind-the-Counter” Antihistamine/Decongestant Combos

− Claritin-D (Loratadine + pseudoephedrine)

− Zyrtec-D (Cetirizine + pseudoephedrine)Please note: When there is a lot of congestion due to excessive mucous in the nose,

ears or sinuses, the antihistamine/decongestant combination is more effective than antihistamine alone. Precautions should be taken, however, in those with HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, as pseudoephedrine DOES raise the blood pressure!

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Management of AR

– Rx Medications− Desloratadine (Clarinex) & Desloratadine + pseudoephedrine

(Clarinex-D)

− Montelukast (Singulair)

− Fexofenadine (Allegra) & Fexofenadine + pseudoephedrine (Allegra-D)

− Steroidal Nasal sprays (Nasonex, Flonase, etc.)

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Complications

• Complications of AR– In most allergy sufferers, AR only causes annoying

symptoms. In others, however, it can lead to many complications such as:

− Acute & chronic sinusitis

− Serious Otitis Media (fluid buildup in the middle ears) which may lead to hearing loss

− Acute or chronic otitis media (middle ear infection)

− Asthma

• In order to avoid or minimize the risk of developing complications, we should aggressively treat AR at the earliest stage possible and keep it under control

Reference: Merck & Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America