Allergic rhinitis

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Revision as of 18:39, 10 May 2017 by Jdiamond (Talk | contribs) (Disposition)

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Background

  • Also called hay fever - inflammation of the nasal mucosa secondary to allergens in the air.

Clinical Features

  • Patient present with a constellation of symptoms
    • thin clear rhinorrhea (if thick or discolored, consider infectious causes)
    • sneezing
    • itching of the nose
    • nasal congestion
    • nasal obstruction
    • clogged feeling in the ears
  • triggers often easily identified
    • animals
    • season changes
  • symptoms last until triggers are removed
  • should not have fevers

Differential Diagnosis

Evaluation

  • Clinical diagnosis
  • ensure no signs of bacterial infection

Management

  • Saline nasal irrigation (netipot) twice a day- washes out allergens
  • combination of topic nasal steroids (flonase, nasonex) and/or nasal antihistamines (patanase). Must be used for several weeks before symptomatic relief is realized

Disposition

  • Discharge home
    • Allergist referral if nasal sprays not helping
    • ENT referral to evaluate for the need for sinus surgery which may help by opening up the sinuses allowing for better distribution of topical medications

See Also

External Links

References

Authors

Jay, Michael Holtz