Allergic conditions Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is allergic rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis is an IgE-mediated, inflammatory disorder of the nose that causes sneezing, nasal itching, rhinorrhoea, and congestion after exposure to allergens.
How can someone with pollen allergy manage seasonal allergic rhinitis?
Avoid walking in grassy spaces, drying washing outdoors during high pollen count, and keep windows shut in cars and buildings. Shower after exposure and consider using sunglasses or nasal barriers.
What is the initial treatment for mild or intermittent allergic rhinitis?
Advise on allergen avoidance, saline nasal irrigation, and use of intranasal corticosteroids or non-sedating oral antihistamines.
What is the most effective treatment for allergic rhinitis?
Intranasal corticosteroids are the most effective treatment for allergic rhinitis.
What should be done for refractory allergic rhinitis?
Offer a combination of intranasal antihistamine and corticosteroid spray, consider add-on treatments (e.g., nasal decongestant, anticholinergics, leukotriene receptor antagonists), or a short course of oral corticosteroids for severe cases.
What is angio-oedema?
Angio-oedema is swelling of deep dermis, subcutaneous, or submucosal tissues, often affecting the face, lips, tongue, and other areas. It can be caused by allergic reactions, ACE inhibitors, or hereditary factors.
What is the first step in managing anaphylaxis?
Call an ambulance, administer intramuscular adrenaline (1:1000) according to age guidelines, and begin CPR if the person is unresponsive and not breathing.
What is the recommended dose of intramuscular adrenaline for anaphylaxis in adults?
The recommended dose is 500mcg for adults or 300mcg for children who are prepubertal and younger than 12 years.
How should stable angio-oedema without anaphylaxis be managed?
Slow IV or IM chlorphenamine and hydrocortisone should be given, and the underlying cause should be identified and removed, such as discontinuing ACE inhibitors.
What is allergic conjunctivitis?
Allergic conjunctivitis is an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction affecting the eyes, causing symptoms like itching, redness, and watery discharge.
What is the first-line treatment for allergic conjunctivitis?
Management includes avoiding allergens, using ocular lubricants, applying cold compresses, and considering topical antihistamines or mast cell stabilizers.
What are some examples of topical antihistamines used in allergic conjunctivitis?
Examples include Azelastine, Epinastine, and Olopatadine.
How do mast cell stabilizers work in allergic conjunctivitis, and how should they be used?
Mast cell stabilizers prevent the release of inflammatory chemicals. They should be applied routinely for at least 2 weeks to provide prophylactic benefit. Examples include Sodium cromoglicate and Lodoxamide.
What are red flag symptoms that require urgent referral in allergic conjunctivitis?
Red flag symptoms include pain, photophobia, change in visual acuity, and pupillary abnormalities.
What advice should be given to someone with allergic conjunctivitis who wears contact lenses?
They should avoid wearing contact lenses while using topical treatments for allergic conjunctivitis.
What is cow’s milk allergy?
Cow’s milk allergy is an immune-mediated allergic response to one or more proteins in cow’s milk. It can be IgE-mediated, non-IgE-mediated, or mixed.
What are common symptoms of IgE-mediated cow’s milk allergy?
Symptoms include urticaria, angio-oedema, itching, cough, hoarseness, wheeze, and breathlessness.
Symptoms typically appear within 2 hours of ingesting cow’s milk.
How do non-IgE-mediated food allergies typically present?
Non-IgE-mediated food allergies usually manifest between 2 and 72 hours after ingestion of the allergen.
Symptoms include gastro-oesophageal reflux, abdominal discomfort, constipation, diarrhoea, and atopic eczema, particularly if symptoms are treatment-resistant.
How is a diagnosis of IgE-mediated allergy confirmed?
It can be confirmed through skin prick testing or serum-specific IgE allergy testing.
What type of formula is recommended for infants with cow’s milk allergy?
Extensively hydrolyzed formulas (eHFs) are first-line, while amino acid formulas (AAFs) are reserved for severe cases.
What are common risk factors for developing food allergies?
Risk factors include pre-existing food allergies, atopic eczema, and a family history of food allergies or atopy.
What is urticaria?
Urticaria is a skin condition characterized by red, raised, itchy welts. Angio-oedema is a deeper form that involves swelling in the dermis or subcutaneous tissue.
How is urticaria typically treated?
Treatment involves non-sedating antihistamines for up to 6 weeks, and oral corticosteroids for severe symptoms. If symptoms persist, the dose of antihistamines may be increased.
What should be considered when managing chronic urticaria with inadequate response to antihistamines?
Consider increasing the antihistamine dose, using a different antihistamine, or adding treatments like leukotriene receptor antagonists or topical antipruritics.
