Better Health. No Hassles. Sokan Hunro, PAC, MPH Allergies

Better Health. No Hassles. 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

Better Health. No Hassles. 3 Triggers Year Round Triggers – Dust mites – Animal dander – Mold spores Seasonal Triggers – Pollen from trees, grass weeds – Outdoor molds

Better Health. No Hassles. 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

Better Health. No Hassles. 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

Better Health. No Hassles. 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!

Better Health. No Hassles. 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.)

Better Health. No Hassles. 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