This CPD activity is sponsored by Reckitt. All content is the true, accurate and independent opinion of the speakers and the views expressed are entirely their own.[/caption]
Sources: Australasian College of Pharmacy. Management of reflux: a guideline for pharmacists. Queensland Health. Queensland Community Pharmacy Gastro-oesophageal Reflux and Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease – Clinical Practice Guideline. NSW Health. NSW Pharmacist Practice Standards for gastro-oesophageal reflux and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.[/caption]
Dr Ming S Soh PhD, BPharm (Hons)[/caption]
DR Amy Page (she/her) PhD, MClinPharm, GradDipBiostat, GCertHProfEd, GAICD, GStat, FSHPA, FPS is a consultant pharmacist, biostatistician, and the director of the Centre for Optimisation of Medicines at UWA’s School of Allied Health.[/caption]
Hui Wen Quek (she/her) BPharm(Hons), GradCertAppPharmPrac is a pharmacist and PhD candidate at the University of Western Australia (UWA).[/caption]
Are you aware that untreated allergic rhinitis (AR) can result in impaired driving performance similar to a blood alcohol level of 0.5% due to the health consequences of AR?1
At PSA19 Associate Professor Bandana Saini presented an update on the current evidence-based management for AR.
A/Prof Saini supports the move from older classification guidelines to the ASCIA guidelines for AR.
These guidelines use duration and severity of symptoms to classify AR into four categories (mild intermittent, moderate-severe intermittent, mild persistent and moderate severe persistent) in order to provide appropriate treatment.
The guidelines recommend intranasal corticosteroids (INCS) as first line therapy in moderate-severe intermittent and persistent AR, and mild persistent AR. A/Prof Saini highlighted that INCS are the most potent anti-inflammatory agents in AR, with a superior effect compared to other medications.
For patients where optimum treatment outcomes have not been reached with INCS alone, check adherence before considering add-on treatments or referral.
Different formulations can affect adherence, with taste, odour, sensation and runout all factors affecting patient preference. Other factors that are critical to ensuring adherence include spray angle, head position and inspiratory airflow rates.
A/Prof Saini recommends working with your AR patients to develop an action plan. These can be written by a pharmacist and do not need consultation with a doctor.
For more information there is online training on management of AR available from ASCIA.
Click here to download a patient allergy management plan.
Reference
- Church MK, Zuberbier T. Untreated allergic rhinitis is a major risk factor contributing to motorcar accidents. Allergy 2019;74(7);1395-1397
