Question

A 61-year-old retired schoolteacher presents with moderate persistent allergic rhinitis that is impacting his ability to sleep most nights. He has a history of hypertension and suffered an NSTEMI 3 years ago. Which of the following should be avoided for this patient?

Antihistamine nasal spray
Leukotriene modifier
Oral decongestant
Intranasal corticosteroid

Answer 1

The patient should avoid oral decongestant and consider other medications such as antihistamine nasal spray, leukotriene modifier, or intranasal corticosteroid.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient should avoid oral decongestant for the treatment of moderate persistent allergic rhinitis. The reason is that oral decongestants can potentially increase blood pressure, which is a concern for the patient who has a history of hypertension.

Instead, the patient can consider using other medications such as antihistamine nasal spray, leukotriene modifier, or intranasal corticosteroid to alleviate the symptoms of allergic rhinitis without significant impact on blood pressure.