The Alfred Hospital Referral & Management Guidelines Issue Date: December 2006 Page 2 Latest Update: 20 February, 2008 THE ALFRED SPECIALIST CONSULTING CLINICS APPOINTMENT PRIORITY GUIDE Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology New Appointment Priority Definitions: Immediate -phone Allergy/Respiratory registrar on call on 9076 2000 and/or send to The Alfred Emergency & Trauma Centre 1. Urgent [...]

The purpose of this review is to highlight important articles on upper airway diseases and immunotherapy that appeared during 2006. Studies from Europe continue to examine the usefulness of the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma classification of allergic rhinitis as intermittent or persistent and its levels of severity as mild or moderate/severe. A [...]

The clinician must determine that:
• Episodic symptoms of airflow obstruction (coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or rapid breathing, chest tightness) are present.
• Airflow limitation is at least partially reversible.
• Alternative diagnoses are excluded.
Note:
• Signs and symptoms of asthma can vary widely and may mimic other common childhood illnesses. Diagnosis can be difficult and has important implications.
On the one hand, [...]

Middle ear infections (otitis media) are one of the most common reason why kids see a doctor. I remember having ear infections as a child – the deep ache, with pain so severe that I couldn’t really do anything other than just lie in bed. Most middle ear infections are due to viral and bacterial [...]

What are Migraines?
Migraine headache is a chronic condition affecting approximately 6% of men and 18% of women. Symptoms can be severe, disrupt daily activities, require bed rest, and potentially last for days. The cause of migraines is not completely understood, although is thought to be related to chemicals in the body that cause blood vessels [...]

What is Non-allergic Rhinitis?
Non-allergic rhinitis is a medical condition of unknown cause, leading to symptoms very similar to allergic rhinitis, or hay-fever. Approximately half of people suffering from allergies also have a non-allergic component to their symptoms. Unlike allergies, which can be a seasonal problem, symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis are typically year-round. Non-allergic rhinitis also [...]

Nasal saline irrigation has been shown to be a beneficial therapy in the treatment and prevention of sinus infections and allergic rhinitis. This non-pharmacologic therapy involves rinsing the nasal passages with a salt-water solution, helping to rid the nose of allergens and mucus. This may reduce the need for antibiotics in those people prone to [...]

What Are Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps are growths that result from the inflamed mucous membranes in the sinuses and nasal passages. They can extend to the opening of nostrils, or even to the throat area. Growths can block the nasal passages.
Nasal polyps often associated with other chronic diseases and tend to last for long periods of [...]

What is Sinusitis?
Sine infection, also called sinusitis, defined as inflammation of one or more sinuses. Sinuses are hollow cavities in the bones of the face. The sinuses are lined with mucous membranes, which usually produces fluid - the liquid is usually water channel into the nasal passages and swallowed throughout the day. However, when the [...]

What Over-the-Counter Medications Can I Use for Treating My Allergies?
There are many uses (OTC) drugs available for treatment of allergy symptoms. Some, such as oral decongestants like Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) and sedating antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine), has been available for many years. Others, such as claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec-D (cetirizine / pseudoephedrine), has recently become available [...]

What are Prescription Nasal Sprays?
Allergic nasal sprays are the most effective drugs for the treatment of nasal allergy symptoms. They are better than oral antihistamines. Nasal sprays do, but have such as: They must be used regularly to get the best results, and many people do not like the idea of drugs that put them [...]

With prices that are developing for only about things today, just to save money. And with gas prices at historic high, I want to make unnecessary trips to the doctor or the local office of drugs for medical treatment. Now that allergy season is running smoothly, all is to find cheaper, easier way to treat [...]