Allergic Rhinitis

Question 1

What seasonal factors cause allergic rhinitis

Answer 1

Pollen from trees, flowers, grasses, weeds (spring & fall).

Question 2

What environmental factors cause allergic rhinitis

Answer 2

Environmental allergens (animal dander, dust mites, cockroaches, fungi, molds).

Question 3

What are the early symptoms of allergic rhinits

Answer 3

Sneezing, watery/itchy eyes and nose, congestion, thin watery nasal discharge, decreased sense of smell

Question 4

What are nasal turbinates in allergic rhinitis

Answer 4

Pale, boggy, swollen, possibly causing sinus obstruction.

Question 5

What are the complications of chronic exposure

Answer 5

Headache, sinus pressure, nasal polyps, postnasal drip, hoarseness, chronic cough

Question 6

What do H1-antihistamines do to allergic rhinits

Answer 6

reduce allergy symptoms

Question 7

What do decongestants do to allergic rhinitis

Answer 7

reduces nasal swelling

Question 8

What do leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) do to allergic rhinitis

Answer 8

reduces inflammation

Question 9

(Intranasal medication) what do corticosteroids do to allergic rhinitis

Answer 9

reduces inflammation with minimal systemic absorption

Question 10

(Intranasal medication) what do anticholinergics do to allergic rhinitis

Answer 10

reduces nasal secretions

Question 11

(Intranasal medication) what do mast-cell stabilizers do to allergic rhinitis

Answer 11

prevents histamine release

Question 12

When is immunotherapy recommended

Answer 12

A specific allergen is identified.
Medications are ineffective or not tolerated.

Question 13

How does immunotherapy work?

Answer 13

Controlled exposure to small allergen doses over time.
Administered via injections (allergy shots), sublingual tablets, or intranasal therapy.