1	Allergic Rhinitis* a.k.a. = Allergies!
2	Who has Allergies? Allergic rhinitis in up to 40% of children 18 Million adults diagnosed in past year Can be life threatening Bee and ant stings 500 deaths each year
3	Definition of Allergic Rhinitis Inflammation of the mucous membranes Reactions from repeated allergen exposures Causes hypersensitivity May be Seasonal - Spring/Fall Perennial – All year long
4	Seasonal Rhinitis Symptoms include: Watery nasal drainage Nasal congestion Repetitive sneezing Itchy eyes, nose, ears, and throat Nose rubbing Common allergens: Grass pollens Tree pollens Weed pollens Mold spores
5	Perennial Allergic Rhinitis Show little or no seasonal variation Symptoms are intermittent or continuous throughout the year Nasal congestion is often the primary symptom
6	Chronic nasal congestion may produce…. Dry, irritated or sore throat Snoring Pain around eyes Mouth breathing Frontal headaches/sinusitis Chronic cough
7	Chronic nasal congestion may produce ... Possible hearing loss Altered smell and/or taste Sleep disturbance, with or without daytime fatigue Can make asthma worse
8	Allergic Triggers Dust mites Carpeting, upholstered furniture Animals Furry or feathered Pollens Ragweed, tree pollen, etc.
9	More Allergic Triggers Cockroaches Molds Water damage, leaking roofs, poorly maintained heating/cooling systems Can be encountered outdoors as well as indoors
10	Chemical Triggers Chalk dust Second-hand smoke Paint Magic markers Glue/paste Cleaning agents New furnishings or equipment Pesticides Fragrances
11	Allergic Rhinitis Therapy Avoidance of triggers No carpeting or upholstered furniture No furry or feathered pets Perform maintenance chores requiring use of irritating chemicals/cleaners when children not present Maintain heating/cooling systems No smoking Medications Antihistamines Decongestants Nonsteroidal nasal sprays Steroid nasal sprays Allergy shots
12	Allergy Injections When medications and avoidance don’t work Usually prescribed by a specialist Most effective for dust mites, pollen allergy (When history confirms skin test results) May also be effective for cat and mold allergies
13	Additional Resources Allergy & Asthma Network/Mothers of Asthmatics, Inc. -- http://www.aanma.org American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology -- http://www.aaaai.org American Academy of Pediatrics -- http://www.aap.org American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology -- http://www.allergy.mcg.edu Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America -- http://www.aafa.org/home US Environmental Protection Agency -- http://www.epa.gov/iaq
14	Entire Body Symptoms of Allergic Rhinintis Some patients with allergic rhinitis experience: Weakness Discomfort or uneasiness Irritability Fatigue Difficulty concentrating Decreased appetite