Allergic rhinitis complications

Recurrent and chronic sinusitis and epistaxis are complications of allergic rhinitis. 

Mr JA is showing symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) but has been using cold remedies for eight weeks which has resulted in rebound nasal congestion, worsening his symptoms and complicating his hay fever. 

Q2 Perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis affects many individuals and can cause serious complications, such as otitis media and chronic sinusitis. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis can be caused by house dust mites, pollens, moulds and other allergens. 

Subacute Zinc Defiency Subacute zinc deficiency is the major clinical zinc deficiency syndrome in the U.S. Based upon a national survey of smell function performed in 1980, estimates suggest that this syndrome may affect as many as 4 million people (59). The etiology of subacute zinc deficiency is related to a variety of disorders which do not, at first glance, appear to have any specific relationship to a metabolic disease process (Table III) (60). Indeed, the mechanisms by which a viral illness, head Injury, surgical procedures, or allergic rhinitis may produce lowered body zinc levels are still unknown. In addition, to complicate this problem further, the onset of this syndrome can occur relatively quickly, over days, or more slowly, over... 

Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common diseases. Treatment is justified in most cases because of the potential for complications. 

Not only is allergic rhinitis aggravating, it also frequently leads to further complications, particularly if the patient does not receive adequate treatment. Symptoms of untreated rhinitis may lead to inability to sleep, chronic malaise, fatigue, and poor work or school efficiency. Patients often are plagued by loss of smell or taste, with sinusitis or polyps underlying many cases of allergy-related hypos-mia. Postnasal drip with cough, hoarseness, and even vocal polyps also can be bothersome. 

The most cost-effective choice of treatment for allergic rhinitis is an individualized decision. Seasonal allergic rhinitis patients who see improvement and can tolerate nonprescription and/or generic antihistamines will experience the least impact on out-of-pocket medical and drug expenses. If these are not effective, the economic picture becomes more complicated. Choices should follow the logical path based on symptoms, tolerance, and efficacy, as described earlier in this chapter. 

Aplastic anemias (some forms) Complications of malignancy Hypercalcemia Hematologic malignancies Acute lymphoblastic leukemia Lymphomas Multiple myeloma Immune hemolytic anemia Immune thrombocytopenia Inflammatory bowel disease Transfusion reactions Allergic and Immune Diseases Acute hypersensitivity reactions Allergic rhinitis Anaphylaxis... 

Because of the bronchial muscle relaxant effect, caffeine is used in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and for the treatment of asthma. The use of caffeine in the treatment of children with minimal brain dysfunction, to increase the duration of electroconvulsive therapy-induced seizure, for allergic rhinitis, as well as for atopic dermatitis has also been described. Recently, caffeine has been used as a diagnostic test for malignant hyperthermia and in the diagnosis of neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a complication of neuroleptic therapy. 

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