Lecturio Nursing

>

>

Allergic Rhinitis: Causes & Nursing Care

Nursing Knowledge

Allergic Rhinitis: Causes & Nursing Care

Allergic rhinitis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is an inflammatory response to environmental allergens that involves the upper respiratory tract. Nurses are often the first healthcare professionals to encounter patients with this condition. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for allergic rhinitis in the quick guide below.

Last updated: October 9, 2024

What is allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory response to environmental allergens that involves the upper respiratory tract. It is often referred to as hay fever and can be seasonal or perennial.

What causes allergic rhinitis?

Common environmental allergens that can trigger allergic rhinitis include mold spores, pet dander, pollen from trees, grass, and weeds, and dust mites that live in carpets, drapes, bedding, and furniture.

What are the symptoms of allergic rhinitis?

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis include itchy/watery eyes, itchy/sore throat, frequent ear infections, stuffy or runny nose, and sneezing.

How to treat allergic rhinitis

Treatment options for allergic rhinitis include antihistamines, intranasal glucocorticoids, sympathomimetic decongestants, immunotherapy, and saline nasal irrigation.

Antihistamines

PO, intranasal
Method of action (MOA): antagonist, blocks histamine receptors from responding to trigger
1st generation: diphenhydramine (causes sedation)
2nd generation: fexofenadine, loratadine, cetirizine (non-sedating)
Intranasal: azelastine

Intranasal glucocorticoids

Intranasal
MOA: reduces the release of inflammatory mediators
1st generation: beclomethasone, budesonide, triamcinolone (more systemic effects)
2nd generation: ciclesonide, fluticasone propionate (less system effects)
More effective than antihistamines

https://youtube.com/shorts/H7UAaDzX1Xk?feature=share

Sympathomimetic decongestants

PO, intranasal
MOA: mimics SNS response, activates alpha-1 receptors causing vasoconstriction, reduces swelling
Phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine
Contraindicated in clients with HTN, cardiovascular disease d/t vasoconstriction
Requires ID to purchase d/t use in crystal methamphetamine production

Related videos

Medications for Allergic Rhinitis

Cough Suppressants

How to educate clients about allergic rhinitis

Clients should be educated on how to reduce exposure to triggers; however, prevention is not always possible.
Immunotherapy is a long-term treatment option for clients with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis.
Saline nasal irrigation may reduce symptom severity.
Avoid using intranasal sprays for more than a few days (potential for abuse). Wean to avoid rebound congestion.

RELATED TOPIC:

Flu Vaccine: Side Effects & Tips

FREE CHEAT SHEET

Allergic Rhinitis: Causes & Nursing Care

Free Download

Nursing Cheat Sheet

Overview of allergic rhinitis, including definition, symptoms, causes, medication treatment, and client education

Master the topic with a unique study combination of a concise summary paired with video lectures.

© 2025 Lecturio GmbH. All rights reserved.

USMLE™ is a joint program of the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB®) and National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME®). MCAT is a registered trademark of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). NCLEX®, NCLEX-RN®, and NCLEX-PN® are registered trademarks of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc (NCSBN®). None of the trademark holders are endorsed by nor affiliated with Lecturio.