Allergic Rhinitis

Clinical Description

Recurrent inflammation of the nasal mucosa due to hypersensitivity to inhaled allergens e.g., pollen, house dust, grasses and animal proteins.

Signs and Symptoms

SYMPTOMS/SIGNS:

• Blocked stuffy nose, watery nasaldischarge, frequent sneezing often accompanied by nasal itching and irritation, conjunctival itching and watering, edematous pale grey nasal mucosa, mouth breathing, snoring at night.
• Exclude other causes such as infections, vasomotor rhinitis, overuse of decongestants drops, side effects of antihypertensive and antidepressants.

Non-pharmacological

• Avoid known triggers/allergens, such as dust (dust mite) where possible
• Avoid smoking
• Provide education on the correct technique of administering topical medicines and monitor from time to time. Incorrect technique is a common cause of treatment failure.
• Allergen avoidance

Pharmacological

• Give corticosteroid nasal sprays e.g., Beclomethasone nasal s p r a y s 1 spray of 50 mcg in each nostril 12 hourly.
• Give Cetirizine 10mg daily for 3-5 days
• If predominant symptom is blocked nose, then add Oxymetazoline 0.05%, intranasal, administered 8 hourly for a maximum of 5 days.
• If symptoms persist ADD Prednisone, oral, 30 mg daily for 5 days whilst continuing the topical steroid.