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Allergies

Allergies. Sokan Hunro, PAC, MPH. 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

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Allergies

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  1. Allergies Sokan Hunro, PAC, MPH

  2. 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

  3. Triggers • Year Round Triggers • Dust mites • Animal dander • Mold spores • Seasonal Triggers • Pollen from trees, grass weeds • Outdoor molds

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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!

  7. 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.)

  8. 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

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