Lewis: Medical-Surgical Nursing, 8th Edition

Chapter 27: Nursing Management: Upper Respiratory Problems Patient and Caregiver Teaching Guides

HOW TO REDUCE SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS

Patient:______________________________Date:_______________________ Nurse Teacher:____________________________________________________ What to Avoid House dust Specific Approaches Focus on the bedroom. Remove carpeting. Limit furniture. Put the pillows, mattress, and springs in airtight vinyl bags or containers. Limit clothing in the bedroom to items used frequently. Place clothing in airtight, zipper-sealed vinyl clothes bags. Install an air filter. Close the air conditioning vent into the room. Use blinds rather than draperies. Wash bedding in hot water (130 F [54 C]) weekly. Wear a mask when vacuuming. Double-bag the vacuum cleaner. Install a filter on the outlet port of the vacuum cleaner. Avoid sleeping or lying on upholstered furniture. Keep house temperature and conditions cool and dry. The three Ds that promote growth of mold spores are darkness, dampness, and drafts. Ventilate closed rooms and open doors. Consider adding windows to dark rooms. Consider keeping a small light on in closets. A basement light with a timer that provides light several hours a day may decrease mold growth. Avoid places where humidity is high (e.g., basements, camps on the lake, clothes hampers, greenhouses, stables, barns). Dehumidifiers are rarely helpful. Stay inside with closed doors and windows during high-pollen season. Install an air conditioner with a good air filter. Wash filters weekly during high-pollen season. Put the car air conditioner on recirculate when driving. Avoid having plants, especially in the bedroom.

House dust mites

Mold spores

Pollens

Mosby items and derived items 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier, Inc.

Patient and Caregiver Teaching Guides

27b-2

Pet allergens

Remove pets from interior of home. Clean the living area thoroughly. Do not expect instant relief. Symptoms usually do not improve significantly for 2 months following pet removal. Presence of a smoker will sabotage the best of all possible symptom reduction programs.

Smoke

Additional Comments:____________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

Mosby items and derived items 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier, Inc.