Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis

Access the program online
(http://www.rhef.com.au/programs/program-1/?program_id=62&group_id=34)

Program summary

There is a clear interrelationship between asthma and allergic rhinitis. Approximately 10% of all Australians have asthma, and allergic rhinitis occurs in an estimated 75–80% of these asthma patients. Conversely, 20–30% of patients with known allergic rhinitis also have asthma.

Diagnosis of allergic rhinitis may be confusing and symptoms can easily be mistaken for asthma. The impact of allergic rhinitis can significantly affect a person’s daily quality of life and when it occurs in conjunction with asthma, can complicate airway symptoms. Patients with allergic rhinitis severe enough to impair activities or worsen asthma control may need pre-emptive treatment as part of their management plan. Effective management of asthma and allergic rhinitis requires a combined approach.

This program discusses the evidence for the clinical interrelationship and investigation and appropriate treatment of allergic rhinitis in asthma patients.

Learning outcomes

After watching this program, participants will be able to:

• Understand the interrelationship between allergic rhinitis and asthma.
• Recognise the symptoms and identify the appropriate allergy tests in order to make the correct diagnosis.
• Identify the role of pharmacological treatments and specific allergen immunotherapy in the long term treatment plan.
• Develop allergy and asthma prevention strategies and appropriate written action plans.

Speakers

• Chair: Dr Norman Swan, Presenter of the Health Report on ABC Radio National.
• Associate Professor Connie Katelaris, Senior Consultant, Allergy and Immunology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney.
• Associate Professor Frank Thien, Adult Respiratory and Allergy Physician, Alfred Hospital, Victoria.
• Mr Peter Holder, Community Pharmacist, ACT. Pharmaceutical Society of Australia representative on the National Asthma Council Board and a member of NAC Pharmacists' Asthma Group.
• Associate Professor Ian Charlton, General Practitioner, Kincumber NSW. Founding Chairman of the National Asthma Council's influential General Practitioners' Asthma Group.

Broadcast date: Tuesday 20 March 2007