I believe allergic rhinitis (AR), commonly known as “hay fever,” best fits the symptoms presented in this case study as this condition is becoming an increasing common issue in the U.S. AR is the inflammation of the nasal membranes induced after exposure to allergens via IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reactions (Min, 2010). This condition is characterized by symptoms of watery rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction, nasal itching and sneezing and is also frequently accompanied by symptoms involving the eyes, ears and throat, including itching of the eyes, nose, and palate, postnasal drip, cough, irritability, and fatigue (Sheikh, 2015). John’s symptoms of sneezing, itching eyes, and nasal congestion all fits this diagnosis; …show more content…
While these symptoms are similar to those of allergic rhinitis (hay fever), non-allergic rhinitis does not involve the immune system which overacts to allergens (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 2016). Non-allergic rhinitis also rarely causes itchy nose, eyes or throat which would not explain John’s itchy eyes. Although this condition is similar to AR and provides explanation to some of John’s symptoms, it fails to clarify them all, therefore, I do not think this diagnosis is suitable for the symptoms presented in this case …show more content…
Nasal polyps are benign growths of the nasal lining and/or mucosa that blocks drainage causing chronic congestion, sneezing, nasal stuffiness, runny nose, etc. In the U. S., the overall incidence of nasal polyps in children is 0.1%; the incidence in children with CF is 6-48%. Among adults, the incidence is 1-4% overall, with a range of 0.2-28% (Casale et al, 2011). This condition would explain John’s nasal congestion, sneezing, and is linked with his history of asthma. However, his itchy eyes and the fact that he has a low grade temperature cannot be explained using this