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Asthma/allergic rhinitis and asthma

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Expert: - 10/19/2010


Question
QUESTION: Dear Marc Rubin i have heard that allergic rhinitis may be convert into asthma. i have allergic rhinitis from seven years and afraid from asthma and regular check my family doctor who is specialist of chest, last time i visited him he said my chest is clear. are there any vaccination of asthma and allergic rhinitis and it is good for asthma and allergic rhinitis?

Regards
Zafar Iqbal

ANSWER: Hi Zafar,

If you have specific allergens that have been identified which are linked to your rhinitis, you could receive immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots. Very small quantities of the allergen are administered by injection on a weekly basis. Over time, the dose will be increased, and will desensitize you from reacting. If it is achievable, it also reduces the risk of spillover into your lungs reacting.

Also, you can still presently take up to 3 meds to reduce your allergic response:
1) a steroid nasal spray to reduce sinus inflammation,
2) Montelukast, an oral medication taken at night to reduce inflammation, and
3)an oral antihistamine, such as loratidine, taken daily to reduce histamine release and minimizing your bodies over-response.

See what your doctor has to say about this.

Talk to you soon.

Sincerely,

Marc



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Marc Rubin i have only post nasal drip not sneezing and runny nose, my question was can allergic rhinitis create asthma? i am taking nasal spray (Azelastine), cetrizine and montelukast on daily basis. can post nasal drip due to my deviated nasal septum and nasal polyps?

Regards
Zafar Iqbal

Answer
Hi Zafar,

Allergic rhinitis can aggravate asthma, but will not cause asthma.What may be beneficial would be correcting the deviated septum and polyps, improving airflow, and not trapping irritants which may be the source of constant irritation and nasal runniness.

Something to discuss with your doctor. At worst, your breathing will improve, even if the rhinitis doesn't.

Sincerely,

Marc

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Marc Rubin, RPh Asthma Educator

Expertise

I have worked directly with patients as well as caregivers for over 30 years. Have made presentations throughout Illinois educating school nurses as well as the teaching and coaching staff of public schools about asthma, and how they should respond to these students needs. Presented a public education program on asthma through the US Department of Public Health. Specialize in helping guide asthmatic patients to take control of their disease in order to live a near-normal, fully active life.

Experience

Practicing pharmacist for 34 years, specializing in asthma for past 7 years. Statewide education to nurses, teachers and athletic coaches regarding asthma. In addition, and closer to home. my wife and daughter both have asthma, and my son has exercise induced bronchospasm. I'm also on the advisory board of a medical education company, Emmi Solutions, and directly involved in the creation of public education programs for asthma, COPD and diabetes.

Organizations
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) / Sports Medicine Committee, American Thoracic Society (ATS). Chicago Asthma Consortium / Professional Development Committee, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago: Development Committee for AE-C prep class, and presenter.

Publications
AAAAI PowerPoint on the new guidelines for EIB (Exercise Induced Bronchospasm)

Education/Credentials
BScPharm, RPh, AE-C (NAECB Certified asthma educator), NIPCO Certified Respiratory Care Pharmacist

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