Impact of Rhinoconjunctivitis on adolescents
Rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis are 2 diseases often seen in adolescents. Although rhinitis is a common risk factor for asthma, less is known about rhinoconjuctivitis. A cross-sectional study published inAllergy, Asthma and Immunology Researchlooked at the risk factors of rhinitis compared with conjunctivitis, the impact on asthma, and the overall burden of rhinoconjunctivitis on adolescents and their quality of life.
The study was conducted between 2005 and 2006 on 2150 schoolchildren aged 10 to 17 years. The children completed a questionnaire assessing respiratory allergic symptoms and diseases. The investigators found that environmental factors such as exposure to mold/dampness or heavy traffic, parental history, and allergic sensitivities are all risk factors for rhinoconjunctivitis. In addition, the study results showed that rhinoconjuctivitis increases a patient’s risk for asthma compared with rhinitis (10.7% vs 5.1%, respectively). In addition, close to 50% of the patients with rhinitis reported their ocular symptoms to be moderately to extremely bothersome and 10% complained that the itchy/watery eyes were the most bothersome symptom.
In a typical clinical practice, the ocular aspect of rhinoconjuctivitis is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. The study authors concluded that it is important for physicians to assess these symptoms and risk factors as part of their everyday clinical practice in order to improve the quality of life for their patients and decrease the burden of the disease.
Knock Out Aches and Pains From Cold
October 30th 2019The symptoms associated with colds, most commonly congestion, coughing, sneezing, and sore throats, are the body's response when a virus exerts its effects on the immune system. Cold symptoms peak at about 1 to 2 days and last 7 to 10 days but can last up to 3 weeks.
COPD: Should a Clinician Treat or Refer?
October 27th 2019The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) defines the condition as follows: “COPD is a common, preventable, and treatable disease that is characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation that is due to airway and/or alveolar abnormalities usually caused by significant exposure to noxious particles or gases.â€
Diabetic Ketoacidosis Is Preventable With Proper Treatment
October 24th 2019Cancer, diabetes, and heart disease account for a large portion of the $3.3 trillion annual US health care expenditures. In fact, 90% of these expenditures are due to chronic conditions. About 23 million people in the United States have diabetes, 7 million have undiagnosed diabetes, and 83 million have prediabetes.
What Are the Latest Influenza Vaccine Recommendations?
October 21st 2019Clinicians should recommend routine yearly influenza vaccinations for everyone 6 months or older who has no contraindications for the 2019-2020 influenza season starting at the end of October, according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
What Is the Best Way to Treat Pharyngitis?
October 18th 2019There are many different causes of throat discomfort, but patients commonly associate a sore throat with an infection and may think that they need antibiotics. This unfortunately leads to unnecessary antibiotic prescribing when clinicians do not apply evidence-based practice.
