Asthma and allergic rhinitis

Abstract

The RCN Learning Zone is a FREE online service to help RCN members with their continuing professional development and professional portfolio management. The RCN Learning Zone can be found at www.rcn.org.uk/members/learningzone.php This practice profile is based on NS638 Burns D (2012) Management of patients with asthma and allergic rhinitis. Nursing Standard. 26, 32, 41-46. In my work as a nurse practitioner at a GP surgery, I see patients with symptoms of allergic rhinitis and many people in the asthma clinic have exacerbations during the summer hay fever season. The article explains that poorly controlled allergic rhinitis can have a detrimental effect on asthma control where the conditions co-exist. Poor asthma control can result in severe and persistent symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, cough and wheeze. The quality of life for patients with asthma may be improved through identifying and reducing the effects of allergic rhinitis, which include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion and itching. Assessing for symptoms of allergic rhinitis is sometimes difficult. Anecdotally, I find that many patients tend to accept that hay fever is something that they may experience. They may purchase over-the-counter medications to treat the condition and tend not to seek any further assistance. If, or when, patients encounter problems with their asthma control, they may not mention signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis. The article has therefore been useful as a reminder of the importance of asking patients whether they are experiencing any signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis, and I can now use the classification table to assess the seriousness of the condition. Through having an objective means of classifying the condition, I can reassess the patients following treatment to ascertain if there is any improvement.