August Case Study
Liam, 17 years old, phoned the Asthma Society Helpline to enquire about an injection to relieve symptoms of a runny nose, eye irritation and cough.
At the beginning of May I started to get a runny nose and itchy eyes. My symptoms increased daily and by the middle of May I had a constantly running nose and itchy eyes. I have asthma and was prescribed a preventer and reliever inhaler by my doctor.
My symptoms began to affect my work as I couldn’t concentrate. I read online about an injection that cures rhinitis so I called the Asthma Society Helpline to find out if this was true and to get more information.
I told the Asthma Helpline Nurse about my symptoms and she said it sounded like I could have Seasonal Rhinitis, but an accurate diagnosis is important so that the correct treatment can be prescribed. She told me the symptoms of seasonal rhinitis are;
- sneezing,
- itchy, blocked or runny nose
- red itchy eyes
- itchy throat, inner ear or mouth
- headaches
- loss of concentration
The Nurse asked me if I was taking my medication as it had been prescribed. I told her that she had stopped using the preventer inhaler as it didn’t seem to do much for me and that I took my reliever inhaler at least six times a day, as well as a nasal spray twice a day.
The Nurse told me that the injection I was talking about is called Immunotherapy, but that it is only used when the usual treatments have failed to control the symptoms. She advised that I resume taking my preventer inhaler twice a day, as prescribed, as this would help my cough and make my breathing tubes less irritable. She also suggested that I try using a spacer device, as this would help the medication get into my lungs, and to rinse my mouth out after taking my medication. The nurse told me an instructional video on inhaler technique and using a spacer device can be viewed on the Asthma Society website. The Asthma Nurse also said that my pharmacist or practice nurse could show me how to use my inhaler with the spacer device.
The Nurse told me that there is no cure for Seasonal Rhinitis but that the symptoms can usually be well controlled and she sent me a copy of the Asthma Society booklet "Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis". She recommended that I visit my GP for a review of my asthma and to discuss my allergies.
Thanks to the Asthma Helpline Nurse I’m now taking my preventer inhaler regularly and it has made a visible difference in my daily life. I have been following the tips in "Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis" and I feel I finally have my rhinitis under control. I’m so glad I called the Asthma Society Helpline, I just can’t believe what a difference a few small changes could make. I’d like to thank the Asthma Helpline Nurse for her support and advice.
To speak to our Asthma Nurse call 1850 44 54 64, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10am – 1pm.
*Name of Helpline caller has been changed to protect the Helpline caller's privacy. Photo featured is of an actor.
