| Term 
 | Definition 
 
        | an immune mediated response facilitated by IgE antibodies on mast cells in the nasal mucosa that interact with SPECIFIC ALLERGEN TRIGGERS 
 the nose acts like a filtration system.  it heats, humidifies, and cleans inhaled air so it can be used in the lungs
 
 allergic rhinitis primarily develops from the cleaning component of this filtration system
 
 this aspect uses nasal cilia to move trapped foreign particles posteriorly so that they can be eventually swallowed and eliminated in the GI tract
 
 epithelium - nasal mucosa that traps the antigen (i.e. allergic trigger)
 
 antigen - allergic trigger.  in patients with a genetic predisposition for a specific allergic trigger, an immune mediated response will cause allergic rhinitis symptoms
 
 APC (antigen presenting cell) - after allergen sensitization, IgE specific antibodies are bound to mast cells; re-exposure of the antigen will interact with these IgE specific antibodies and will cause degranulation and release inflammatory mediators from the mast cells; a very rapid, symptomatic allergic response is experienced with re-exposure of the antigen
 
 the allergic response seen in patients with allergic rhinitis is often categorized by immediate and late phase allergic reaction
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | acute phase allergic reaction |  | Definition 
 
        | pathophysiology: 
 onset - seconds to minutes
 
 allergen exposure -> produce IgE antibodies (antigen specific) -> attach to nasal mast cells and basophils -> degranulation of mast cells -> release of histamine, leukotrienes, prostaglandins, tryptase, kinins, cytokines
 
 symptoms:
 
 SNEEZING, RHINORRHEA, POSTNASAL DRIP, PRURITUS (EYES, THROAT EARS)
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | late phase allergic reaction |  | Definition 
 
        | pathophysiology: 
 4-24 hours later
 
 caused by cytokine release of mast and T helper cells
 
 migration and activation of inflammatory cells (eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages, basophils) in nasal mucosa
 
 "hyper-responsive" state - lower amounts of allergen will induce an allergic response AND more sensitive to non-allergic irritants (car exhaust, perfumes, tobacco smoke)
 
 symptoms:
 
 NASAL CONGESTION
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | prophylactic measures for patients with allergic rhinitis |  | Definition 
 
        | identification and avoidance of triggers is a primary part of both treatment and preventative plans in patients that have allergic rhinitis 
 general approaches to allergic rhinitis triggers:
 
 environmental modifications
 
 pollens:
 keep windows and doors closed during pollen season
 avoid fans that draw in outside air
 use air conditioning
 if possible, eliminate outside activities during times of high pollen counts
 shower, shampoo, and change clothes following outdoor activities
 use a vented dryer rather than an outside clothesline
 
 molds:
 use similar controls as above
 avoid walking through uncut fields, working with compost or dry soil, and raking leaves
 clean indoor moldy surfaces
 fix all water leaks in home
 reduce indoor humidity to < 50% if possible
 
 house dust mites:
 encase mattress, pillow, and box springs in an allergen impermeable cover
 wash bedding in hot water weekly
 remove stuffed toys from bedroom
 minimize carpet use and upholstered furniture
 
 reduce indoor humidity to < 50% if possible
 
 animal allergens (if removal of pet is not acceptable):
 keep pet out of patient's bedroom
 isolate pet from carpet and upholstered furniture
 wash pet weekly
 
 cockroaches:
 keep food and garbage in tightly closed containers
 take out garbage regularly
 clean up dirty dishes promptly
 use roach traps
 
 other recommendations:
 do not allow smoking around the patient, in the patient's house or in the family car
 minimize the use of wood burning stoves and fireplaces
 HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters are only effective for removing light weight airborne particulates.  depending on the specific causative allergen, these expensive filtration systems may not be worth the overall cost
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | prophylactic use of medication therapy |  | Definition 
 
        | antihistamines 
 decongestants
 
 intranasal corticosteroids
 
 start prior to allergen exposure
 
 should start 1-2 weeks before the onset of that season
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 | Definition 
 
        | block effects of histamine by competing for histamine receptors (inhibit effects of H1 receptors) |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | antihistamines place in therapy |  | Definition 
 
        | 1st line agents for active symptoms or prevention of symptoms 
 due to higher sedation with non-selective oral agents, peripherally selective oral agents are often used first line
 
 these medications are much more effective at PREVENTING HISTAMINE MEDICATED EFFECTS (do not work well at reversing actions of histamine)
 
 primarily controls allergic rhinitis symptoms of:  early phase allergic reaction - rhinitis, itchy eyes/throat/nose, watery eyes, post nasal drip; NOT good for head congestion
 
 intranasal antihistamines:
 rapid onset
 reduce nasal congestions
 less effective than nasal steroids
 used in conjunction with antihistamine OR nasal steroid OR alone
 
 PRECAUTIONS:
 these medications should be used cautiously in patients with - BPH, concurrent use of other anticholinergic medications, older men, increased intraocular pressure, hyperthyroidism, cardiovascular disease
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | antihisatmines:  patient education |  | Definition 
 
        | when first starting to use medication, be cautious of drowsiness.  avoid any activities requiring focus or concentration (ex. driving motor vehicle) or that may exacerbate this ADR (ex. alcohol) 
 may need to consume more water as these medications can cause constipation, dry mouth, and other anticholinergic (drying) problems
 
 only use 1 type of antihistamine in a day
 
 read labels of OTC product and consult a health care professional prior to use.  many OTC products contain medications similar to these products
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 | Definition 
 
        | PO agents:  pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) 
 intranasal agents:  naphazoline (Naphcon), tetrahydrozoline (Tyzine), oxymetazoline (Afrin)
 
 DO NOT USE INTRANASAL DECONGESTANTS FOR MORE THAN 3 CONSECUTIVE DAYS
 may cause rebound congestion "rhinitis medicamentosa" with prolonged use
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 | Definition 
 
        | stimulate alpha adrenergic receptors in vascular smooth muscle of nose; nasal mucosal capillary vasoconstriction; nasal congestion relief |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | decongestants:  place in therapy |  | Definition 
 
        | 1st line agents for active allergic rhinitis symptoms 
 primarily controls allergic rhinitis symptoms of late phase (congestion)
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 | Definition 
 
        | burning, stinging, dryness of nasal cavity, sneezing 
 CNS stimulation (insomnia, jitteriness), tachycardia, urinary retension
 
 caution use:  HTN, glaucoma, BPH, arrhythmias, diabetes, hepatic/renal impairment, hyperthyroidism
 
 decongestants + MAOIs = HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS!
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 | Definition 
 
        | beclomethasone (Beconase AQ) 
 budesonide (Rhinocort AQ)
 
 flunisolide (Nasarel)
 
 fluticasone (Flonase, Veramyst)
 
 mometasone (Nasonex)
 
 triamcinolone (Nasocort AQ)
 
 ciclesonide (Omnaris)
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | inhaled corticosteroids:  MOA |  | Definition 
 
        | suppress neutrophil chemotaxis, reduce inflammatory medator release, decrease mucosal edema, inhibit mast cell medicated late phase reactions, mild vasoconstrictive properties |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | inhaled corticosteroids:  place in therapy |  | Definition 
 
        | most agents approved for use in 6 years of age and older (fluticasone has an indication for 4 yo and older) 
 clinically used as 1st or 2nd line agents for active or prevention of allergic rhinitis symptoms
 
 primarily controls allergic rhinitis symptoms by inhibiting both early and late phase reactions:  decrease microvascular permeability, edema, and mucus secretion
 
 WILL NOT PROVIDE IMMEDIATE RELIEF OF SYMPTOMS
 
 best option for patient with head congestion and for patients with year round persistent problems; can be used in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis but they should start it 1-2 weeks before the onset of that season
 
 aqueous = "drier" nose and predominant NASAL CONGESTION
 1. fluticasone (Flonase), beclomethasone dipropionate (Qvar), triamcinolone (Tri-Nasal)
 2. less local irritation with aqueous formulations
 
 nonaqueous = "wet" nose and predominant RHINORRHEA
 beclomethasone (Beconase), budesonide (Entocort), triamcinolone acetonide (Nasocort AQ)
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | inhaled corticosteroids:  ADRs |  | Definition 
 
        | HA, stinging, sneezing, epistasis |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | inhaled corticosteroids:  patient education |  | Definition 
 
        | when first starting to use medication, initial response may be seen in 3-5 days but full benefits may not be experienced until 2-3 weeks of daily use 
 avoid sneezing or blowing nose for at least 10 minutes after use
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | non selective (1st generation) antihistamines ADRs |  | Definition 
 
        | diphenhydramine (Benadryl) HIGH sedative effects
 HIGH anticholinergic effect
 
 chlorpheniramine (Ahist, Aller-Chlor, ChlorHist, Chlorphen)
 LOW sedative effects
 MODERATE anticholinergic effects
 
 clemastine (Dayhist, Tavist)
 MODERATE sedative effects
 HIGH anticholinergic effects
 
 brompheniramine (BPM, BromSpiro, Brovex, Lodrane, LoHist, Resp-BR, LaZol)
 LOW sedative effects
 MODERATE anticholinergic effects
 
 common ADRs:
 
 cross BBB = sedation, drowsiness, dizziness, confusion
 
 anticholinergic properties due to binding to muscarinic receptors
 
 avoid in:  elderly, urinary incontinence (urinary retention), taking other agents with high anticholinergic properties
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | peripherally selective (2nd generation) antihistamines ADRs |  | Definition 
 
        | loratadine (Alavert, Claratin) LOW sedative effects
 LOW to NONE anticholinergic effects
 
 cetirizine (Zyrtec)
 LOW to MODERATE sedative effects
 LOW to NONE anticholinergic effects
 
 fexofenadine (Allegra)
 LOW sedative effects
 LOW to NONE anticholinergic effects
 
 levocetirizine (Xyzal)
 LOW to MODERATE sedative effects
 LOW to NONE anticholinergic effects
 
 desloratidine (Clarines)
 LOW sedative effects
 LOW to NONE anticholinergic effects
 
 comments:
 
 sedation:  low (do not readily cross the BBB)
 
 drying:  low (do not bind to muscarinic cholinergic receptors
 
 other - GI, loss of appetite = class effect
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | intranasal antihistamines ADRs |  | Definition 
 
        | azelastine (Astelin, Astepro) 
 olopatadine (Pataday)
 
 both can cause drowsiness - intranasal products can cause significant drowsiness (40% systemic absorption
 
 headache, drying effects, sedation, local irritation, and diminished effects over time are also common ADRs reported with these products
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | allergic rhinitis in children |  | Definition 
 
        | oral antihistamines:  cetirizine 2 yo and older 
 nasla cromoyln
 
 nasal corticosteroids (>4 yo for use)
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | allergic rhinitis treatment for pregnancy |  | Definition 
 
        | saline nasal spray = MOST PREFERRED 
 oral antihistamines - chlorpheniramine preferred
 
 nasal cromolyn - intranasal steroids may be used only if not adequately effective
 
 avoid oral decongestants during 1st trimester - abdominal wall defects to fetus
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