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Allergy Academy Study Day – Allergy for non-healthcare professionals |
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This was the first Allergy Academy study designed for non-healthcare professionals – more specifically for parents, families, teachers, nurses and carers working with allergy and, in particular, with allergic children. It covered the three main stages of the 'allergic march' – eczema, food allergy and asthma/respiratory allergy. The allergic rhinitis presentation is below. Please see here for the food allergy presentations, here for the eczema presentation or here for a report on the full day.
Sniffing and Sneezing – is it an allergy? Rhinitis Rhinitis is a nasal inflammation that causes an itchy, runny, dripping, blocked nose; it also causes snoring, a mucous drip down the throat and is often related to hyperactivity. There can be many causes but allergic rhinitis is the predominant form in children although only in around one third of adults. There has been a significant increase in rhinitis over the last 30 years and there is a strong link between allergic rhinitis and asthma. Most common causes • tree pollen Airborne allergens and irritants cause a release of histamine in the nasal passages, which, in turn, causes inflammation and fluid production in the nasal passages, the sinuses and the eyelids. Skin prick tests, in the context of the patient's history, can be a very useful way of diagnosing the allergy and pinpointing the allergen. Why would one treat rhinitis? • it significantly affects patients' quality of life Treatment • avoidance Avoidance What changes are you prepared to make? • Pets. Animal dander is a major allergen and there is really no such thing as a hypo-allergenic dog or cat. Cat allergens are particularly sticky and it can take up to four years for allergen levels to fall in a house where there has been a cat unless there is a major and deep clean. • Dust mite. There is no way of completely eliminating dust mites. But you must be thorough as half measures in terms of elimination will not help. However, be sure that it is house dust mite that is the problem before cleaning – skin prick tests will identify the allergen. • Avoiding pollen – wear sunglasses • Medication – antihistamines – quick and flexible although can make you drowsy. (Piriton is particularly drowsy making.) Good as eye drops. • Using nasal steroid sprays – make sure you start at least 4 weeks before the pollen season starts • Take home message – be proactive – treat your rhinitis – it is easy to treat and will make a huge difference to your quality of life.
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