Allergic Rhinitis Study Guide

An inflammatory process of the nasal mucosa, typically IgE-mediated, triggered by environmental allergens, causing symptoms like discharge, itching, sneezing, and obstruction.

Allergic rhinitis triggered by allergens like pollens (grass, trees) and molds, occurring seasonally.

Allergic rhinitis caused by indoor allergens, such as dust mites and pet dander, lasting year-round.

An immune response involving Immunoglobulin E antibodies that are important for the allergic response in this case.

The release of histamine from cells, a key chemical messenger in an inflammatory response, triggered by allergens.

Substances in the environment that trigger an allergic response in susceptible individuals.

Symptoms lasting at least one hour a day for at least two consecutive days, important for diagnosis.

Allergic rhinitis can significantly affect a person's daily life (school, work, social activities).

Allergic rhinitis symptoms present year-round, often caused by indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander, or feathers.

Allergic rhinitis triggered by specific airborne allergens, often on a sporadic basis, like visiting a pet-owner's home.

Allergic rhinitis symptoms lasting less than 4 days a week or less than 4 weeks in a year.

Allergic rhinitis with symptoms for more than 4 days a week and more than 1 month in a year.

Allergic rhinitis with no significant impact on daily activities, sleep, school, or work.

Allergic rhinitis with a negative impact on one or more aspects of daily life (e.g., activities, sleep, school/work).

The development of allergic rhinitis is linked to genetic factors and the body's antibody production (IgE).

An immune cell that ingests foreign particles, like pollen, and presents them to other immune cells for recognition.

Combining allergy medications based on severity and type for improved patient experience.

Reducing exposure to triggers of allergic reactions, including eliminating antigens and avoiding contact.

Allergy symptoms that are not severe and occur occasionally or persistently.

Older antihistamines that reduce sneezing and runny nose but can cause drowsiness.

Newer antihistamines that reduce allergy symptoms with less drowsiness.

Over-the-counter antihistamines used to treat allergy symptoms.

Medications applied to the nose to reduce inflammation and relieve allergy symptoms.

Using a dehumidifier to lower humidity, reducing dust mites.

Release of histamine by mast cells when allergens are encountered again, triggering an inflammatory response.

Histamine causes blood vessel dilation and leakage, leading to symptoms like runny nose and swelling.

Histamine irritates nerve endings in the nasal passages, sending signals to the brain that triggers sneezing.

Runny nose caused by the leaky blood vessels allowing fluid to build up, which the nose must drain.

Inflammation in the nasal passage causes fluid buildup and swelling, leading to a stuffy nose

Diagnosis requires three key symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose), nasal eosinophil tests, and identifying the specific allergens.

To relieve symptoms to reduce discomfort associated with daily life.

Improved symptoms typically appear within a few days; if no improvement after five days, consult a doctor for further care.

Loratadine is less likely to cause drowsiness than other antihistamines, but sedation is still a small possibility.

Azelastine nasal spray is often used for mild or intermittent hay fever symptoms in adults and children over 5 years old.

Short-term use of oral/topical decongestants is okay for reducing nasal congestion, but prolonged use can cause rebound congestion. Avoid prolonged usage.

Eye drops with both antihistamine and decongestant are beneficial for intermittent eye symptoms, reducing redness and irritation.

Beclometasone and fluticasone nasal sprays are used for seasonal allergic rhinitis, especially for moderate to severe, continuous symptoms. Regular use is crucial.

Steroid nasal sprays (beclometasone/fluticasone) are safe for people over 18, but not for pregnant women or glaucoma patients. Limited to 3 months.

Steroid nasal sprays may occasionally cause nose/throat dryness, irritation or bleeding but side effects are uncommon.

Treatment for hay fever, including nasal sprays, should begin 2-3 weeks before the start of the season to provide proactive symptom relief and prevent significant issues.

Medications sprayed into the nose to reduce inflammation and allergy symptoms.

A preventative medicine used to manage seasonal allergies, effective for local symptoms

Substances like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander that cause an allergic reaction in the nose

Symptoms like wheezing, ear pain, or purulent eye discharge that suggest possible conditions beyond simple allergy

Nasal steroids cause significant effects, powerful at reducing inflammation.

Nasal steroids reduce symptoms relatively quickly after use.

Side effects with nasal steroids are generally few, and not bothersome

Regular use of sodium cromoglycate helps for better and more long-term control of the issues in allergies