Blog activity #3.4

Name of Blog: Blog #3.4

Answer the following:

1. What are the general causes of rhinitis and rhinorrhoea?

Rhinitis and Rhinorrhoea are generally caused by colds, allergy, drug or chemical or physical damage. Rhinitis can be subdivided into purulent rhinitis, allergic and non-allergic rhinitis.

2. Which drug groups can be used for the treatment of rhinorrhoea? Name examples from each group.

Mucolytics- acetylcysteine and bromhexine, mesna.

Anti-infective-Neomycin and Mupirocin

Corticosteroids- Prednisone, Betamethasone, budesonide  

Anti-allergic- Sodium cromoglycate and nedocromil Sodium

Diverse- Volatile oils and Menthol, saline.

Soothers- Honey and liquorice

Decongestants (alpha- receptors)- Phenylephrine and ephedrine.

3. How do the decongestants differ with respect to the mechanism of action and duration of action?  How are they administered typically?

There are systemic decongestants administered orally and local decongestants administered by a spray. Decongestants are sympathomimetic a1 receptors that cause vasoconstriction in the nasal cavity which reduces oedema. Systemic decongestants are rarely used (Ephedrine) as they are misused, cause CNS(Anxiety, insomnia and sleeplessness.) effects and have Cardiac side effects. Local decongestants such as oxymetazoline and xylometazoline have fewer side effects but can only be used for about three days else rebound decongestion occurs.

4. What is rhinitis medicamentosa?  How is it treated?

Rhinitis medicamentosa is rhinitis induced by the overuse of decongestants. It can be prevented by not using decongestants for more than three days. Possible treatments include stopping treatment and administering Saline (Via steam inhalation)

5. How does the first and second generations of antihistamines differ with respect to the mechanisms according to which rhinitis and rhinorrhoea are relieved?  What are the advantages of the second generation of antihistamines?  Why should they not be used to relieve cold rhinitis?

First generation antihistamines are used to treat rhinorrhoea in patients suffering from a cold, they block muscarinic receptors which reduce secretions in the airway. They are however not commonly used due to their sedative effects and reducing ability to concentrate.

Second-generation antihistamines do not block muscarinic receptors but are used in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. These drugs are not useful in the treatment of colds.

6. When are corticosteroids, anti-allergic drugs, mesna and normal salt solutions valid and how are they administered? 

These drugs can be used when a patient is suffering from rhinitis. Corticosteroids are administered orally or via nasal spray, anti-allergic drugs (sodium cromoglycate) are administered via nasal spray. Mesna is available as a spray for thick mucus. Normal salt solutions can be used for a nasal rinse.