A 35-year-old comes to the clinic. He states, “It’s getting close to allergy season and I need something to keep me from getting sick. Last year the doc gave me a shot, a spray, some pills, and an inhaler. They worked really  well but I don’t remember what they were. Can I have those things again? I just can’t afford to miss work.” Please answer the following questions in a narrative format: NO PAGIARISM APA Style 6th edition at least 300 words 2-3 references

Introduction

Allergy season is a common concern for many individuals, causing symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes. The management of allergies usually involves various medications to alleviate these symptoms. This 35-year-old patient has sought medical advice to prevent getting sick during the allergy season. In order to provide appropriate recommendations, it is important to ascertain the patient’s previous treatment options and consider evidence-based guidelines.

Previous Treatment Options

The patient informs the healthcare provider that they received a shot, a spray, some pills, and an inhaler the previous year, which effectively relieved their symptoms. It is crucial to identify the specific medications the patient received to determine the best course of action for their current situation.

Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy or desensitization, involve the administration of gradually increasing doses of allergens, such as pollen or dust mites, to reduce the patient’s sensitivity to these substances (Soyka et al., 2017). Allergy shots are typically recommended for individuals with severe allergies who have failed to control their symptoms with other treatments (Soyka et al., 2017). Although effective, allergy shots usually require a longer duration to achieve results and may not be suitable for immediate relief during the allergy season.

Allergy nasal sprays, such as intranasal corticosteroids, are commonly used to treat allergic rhinitis symptoms, including nasal congestion, sneezing, and itching (Brożek et al., 2017). These sprays work by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages and are recommended as first-line treatment for moderate to severe allergic rhinitis (Brożek et al., 2017). However, it is essential to note that their effects may take several days to weeks to reach full efficacy.

Antihistamine pills are another common treatment option for allergies. These medications block the effects of histamine, a substance released by the body during an allergic reaction. Antihistamines can provide relief from symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and runny nose (Brożek et al., 2017). They are available over-the-counter or as prescription-strength formulations, depending on the severity and duration of symptoms.

Inhalers, specifically referred to by the patient, are typically used for the management of asthma symptoms, which often coexist with allergies. The use of inhalers indicates that the patient may have experienced respiratory symptoms associated with allergies, such as wheezing or shortness of breath. Inhalers can contain bronchodilators, which help to open the airways and relieve symptoms, or corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation in the lungs (Price et al., 2019). The specific type of inhaler therapy prescribed to the patient would depend on the severity and pattern of their respiratory symptoms.

Recommendations for Current Treatment

Based on the patient’s account of their previous treatment, a combination of approaches may be considered for their current allergy season management. Allergy shots may be excluded from immediate treatment options, as they are usually administered prior to the allergy season for long-term desensitization rather than for immediate relief. However, it would be essential to discuss the timeline and efficacy of immunotherapy with the patient to provide them with a comprehensive understanding of potential future treatment options.

In terms of nasal symptoms, intranasal corticosteroid sprays may be a suitable choice. They have consistently shown efficacy in managing allergic rhinitis symptoms and are recommended as one of the first-line treatment options (Brożek et al., 2017). It would be important to educate the patient that these sprays typically require regular use for several days to weeks to reach full efficacy. Therefore, it is advisable to start this treatment a few weeks before the anticipated allergy season.

To address immediate symptom relief, antihistamine pills can be considered. They offer convenience and are available over-the-counter. However, it is important to select a formulation with minimal sedating effects, as sedation can impact the patient’s ability to perform their work duties (Brożek et al., 2017). Non-sedating antihistamines such as cetirizine or loratadine are often recommended in such cases.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the management of allergies during the allergy season requires an individualized approach. Based on the patient’s previous treatment options, a combination of intranasal corticosteroid sprays for long-term relief and non-sedating antihistamine pills for immediate relief may be recommended. Further discussions with the patient should include potential future options such as allergy shots, as well as measures for avoiding allergens and lifestyle modifications to minimize symptoms. It is important to emphasize that individual patient preferences, response to previous treatments, and severity of symptoms should guide the selection of the most appropriate therapy.