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Allergic rhinitis and hayfever: Front Shop Module 4, 2016
People with allergic rhinitis typically have bothersome nasal symptoms of itchiness, sneezing, runny and/or blocked nose. These symptoms are set off by contact with seasonal allergens such as pollens from grass and trees or by contact with year-round allergens such as animal dander (from e.g. cats, dogs and horses), feathers, house-dust mites and cockroaches. In the grasslands of South Africa, the warm climate creates a pollen season of about 10 months, so that the so-called ‘seasonal’ symptoms from pollen allergies can occur almost throughout the year.
From a medical viewpoint, allergic rhinitis is often considered a relatively minor condition because it is not life-threatening. However, healthcare workers are increasingly recognising that allergic rhinitis should be taken seriously and managed properly because it can impact on the quality of life of sufferers, not only by causing disabling symptoms, but also by leading to complications. Negative effects on school- and work-related performance are common in people with bothersome symptoms from allergic rhinitis.
Allergic rhinitis can begin at any age, but most affected individuals develop symptoms as children or as young adults. Children sometimes improve with age, but many have persistent and worsening symptoms. The risk of developing allergic rhinitis is increased in people who also suffer from other allergy-related conditions such as eczema or asthma.
The treatment of people with allergic rhinitis begins with the identification and avoidance of the allergic triggers. Identifying the allergic triggers can be easy, such as when symptoms start after exposure to animals, especially cats. Sometimes, however, people need allergy tests in order to identify their trigger allergens.
Most people with allergic rhinitis need medication in addition to allergen avoidance to obtain satisfactory symptom relief. Many medicines used in the treatment of allergic rhinitis are available over-the-counter in the pharmacy. Allergic rhinitis is therefore a condition that, with the help of the pharmacist, can be successfully managed in the community pharmacy.
This Module discusses allergic rhinitis, its trigger factors and its management in the community pharmacy setting.
