Allergic Rhinitis
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Contents
- Signs and Symptoms
- Treatment Options
- Complications
- Lifestyle Modifications
- Triggers
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SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Sneezing.
- Conjunctivitis.
- Dark circles under the eyes.
- Dennie-morgan line or puffy eyelids.
- Nasal crease and salute.
- Long face syndrome: a disorder to which the face grows in an excessive amount in the vertical dimension.
- Allergic shiners.
- Itchy nostrils, palate or ears.
- Nasal obstruction or congestion.
- Rhinorrhoea or postnasal drip.
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TREATMENT OPTIONS
- Intranasal corticosteroids: can be available over the counter.
- Antihistamines.
- Decongestants.
- Nasal steroid sprays: takes several days to fully take effect.
- Leukotriene pathway inhibitors.
- Immunotherapy: can help achieve long term control.
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COMPLICATIONS
- Otitis media with effusions.
- Decreased quality of life.
- Long face syndrome.
- Sinusitis.
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LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS
- Try to avoid triggers
- Avoid using fans which can draw pollen, moulds or dust into the house
- Wear sunglasses or normal glasses to protect your eyes from outdoor irritants
- If you are working in your garden, wear a pollen mask and take appropriate prophylactic medication beforehand
- Try to hang your clothes indoors instead of outdoors to dry to prevent outdoor irritants clinging onto the clothing, especially towels and sheets
- Avoid rubbing your eyes when they are irritated
- Wash your hands after touching pets and wash clothes after visiting homes of friends who have pets
- Limit outdoor activities and keep windows and doors closed as much as possible during pollen seasons
- Remove carpets from the bedroom
- Try and keep the pets off furniture, out of your bedroom and try to have them washed weekly
- To kill dust mites, wash bedding in hot water
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TRIGGERS
- Outdoor irritants such as grass, pollen, trees, weeds, dust, etc.
- Indoor allergens such as pet dander, pet hair, dust mites, mould, etc.
- Cigarette smoke, strong perfumes, exhaust fumes.