My daughter (age 9) and I (age 44) suffer from seasonal allergies in the spring. We would like to receive a Kenalog injection. Can you confirm if this is safe as a one-time injection for both of us?—KYLIE YANNUZXI, RN, Danville, Calif.
Although a short course of systemic corticosteroids is effective at relieving symptoms of allergic rhinitis, the corticosteroids should be used with great caution. Side effects of systemic steroids are widely known, including osteoporosis, aseptic necrosis, Cushing syndrome, hyperglycemia, and many more. Intranasal corticosteroids are by far a better choice and should be used daily during the allergy season; in fact, for patients with moderate to severe predictable allergic rhinitis, treatment should begin immediately preceding the season. Combination with a nonsedating antihistamine, if needed, is the recommendation for best control of symptoms.—CLAIRE O’CONNELL, MPH, PA-C (212-5)
Claire O’Connell, MPH, PA-C, teaches in the PA Program at the New Jersey Medical School and Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ.
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