Allergy Flashcards
(23 cards)
is allergy more present in developed or developing countries?
developed
what are the host risk factors for allergy?
hereditary
race
age
what are the environmental risk factors?
> alterations in exposure to infectious diseases in early childhood
environmental pollution
allergen levels
dietary changes
what are the occupational risk factors?
> flour
latex
wood dust
what is urticaria/angioedema?
skin allergy in the skin
define rhinitis?
upper respiratory allergy
what is lower respiratory allergy?
asthma
what is systemic allergy?
anaphylaxis
what is allergic rhinitis associated with?
> asthma
> atopic dermatitis
what are the immediate symptoms of allergic rhinitis?
> sneezing
itch
nasal blockage
rhinorrhoea
what are the late symptoms of allergic rhinitis?
> chronic obstruction
hyposmia
hyperreactivity
define allergy
hypersensitive disorder of the immune system
define allergen
antigens that causes allergic reaction
describe the pathophysiology of type 1-immediate hypersensitivity reaction
sensitisation: > plasma cells produce ige > bind to mast cells re-exposure > mast cells degranulate > release of histamine, leukotrienes, prostaglandins and chemotactic factors
what are the effects of histamine, leukotrienes, prostaglandins and chemotactic agents?
> vasodilation
increased vasculature permeability
smooth muscle contraction
leukocyte infiltration
what happens 2-4 hours after the initial response- late stage response?
other leukocytes (neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils and macrophages) migrate to the initial site
what is the classification for intermittent rhinitis?
less than 4 days a week or less than 4 consecutive weeks
what is the classification for persistent rhinitis?
more than 4 days a week and more than 4 consecutive weeks
what is the classification for mild rhinitis?
> normal sleep
no impairment of daily activities
no impairment of work and school
symptoms persistent but not troublesome
what is the classification for moderate to severe rhinitis?
> sleep disturbance
impairment of daily activities
impairment of school or work
troublesome symptoms
how may you diagnose allergic rhinitis?
> skin test > RAST: presence and levels of allergen specific IgE > In Vitro serum specific IgE > total serum IgE > nasal allergen challenge > nasal cytology
to which patients is immunotherapy given?
to those who are really struggling with their allergies
what is the pharmacotherapy for allergic rhinitis?
> topical intranasal steroids > systemic steroids > antihistamines > sodium cromoglycate > allergen immunotherapy > anti IgE
