Allergy as a drug target

Question 1

What is an allergy?

Answer 1

A hypersensitivity reaction initiated by immunological mechanisms, the adaptive immune response to an allergen.

Question 2

What is anaphylaxis?

Answer 2

A severe systemic allergic reaction.

can be life threatening

Question 3

What is sensitivity?

Answer 3

The exaggeration of the normal effects of a substance. This happens gradually but isn’t life threatening.
For example caffeine in coffee can cause symptoms such as palpitations and trembling.

Question 4

what is intolerance?

Answer 4

When a substance causes unpleasant symptoms, such as diarrhoea but doesn’t involve the immune system

Question 5

List examples of allergies:

Answer 5

Allergic rhinitis 
Eczema 
Anaphylaxis
Asthma 
Drug Allergy

Question 6

How many types of hypersensitivity are there?

Answer 6

four types of hypersensitivity

Question 7

What is atopy?

Answer 7

The genetic predisposition to developing allergic responses.
Its usually genetic

Question 8

What are the 2 types of antihistamines used to treat mild allergies?

Answer 8

Sedating antihistamines

Non-sedating antihistamines

Question 9

Give examples of a non-sedating antihistamine.

Answer 9

Loratadine = Inverse agonist of H1 receptor
Cetrizine = Selective inhibition of H1 receptors

Question 10

Give an of example of a sedating histamine.

Answer 10

Chlorphenamine = An inverse agonist to the H1 receptor, blocking the action of the endogenous histamine

Question 11

What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis?

Answer 11

Tachycardia 
Vasodilation
Hypotension 
Urticaria 
Facial swelling 
Angioedema (swelling) of mouth and lips
Bronchoconstricition

Question 12

What is the assessing pneumonic used in an anaphylactic reaction?

Answer 12

A
B
C
D
E

Question 13

What is an epi-pen?

Answer 13

Epinephrine autoinjector is used during an allergic reaction. Contains adrenaline that causes vasoconstriction and opens the airways

Question 14

How can an allergy be diagnosed?

Answer 14

Skin prick test

Lab testing

Question 15

What does A stand for in the ABCDE pneumonic?

Answer 15

Airways

Examine for airway noises, fluid, secretions and odeoma

Question 16

What does B stand for in the ABCDE pneumonic?

Answer 16

Breathing

Respiratory rate and oxygen saturarion

Question 17

What does C stand for in the ABCDE pneumonic?

Answer 17

Circulation

Heart rate and Blood pressure

Question 18

What does D stand for in the ABCDE pneumonic?

Answer 18

Disability

AVPU/GCS assessment

Question 19

What does E stand for in the ABCDe pneumonic?

Answer 19

Exposure

Identifying and removing the possible anaphylactic triggers

Question 20

What receptors does adrenaline have an effect on?

Answer 20

Alpha 1 - smooth muscle contraction
Alpha 2 - Inhibitor of transmitter release and smooth muscle contraction
Beta - Heart muscle contraction and smooth muscle relaxation

Question 21

What is a possible long term treatment for chronic allergic symptoms/reactions?

Answer 21

Immunotherapy

Question 22

What are the most common food allergies?

Answer 22

Peanuts
Tree nuts
Milk 
Eggs
Wheat 
Soy
Fish 
Shellfish

Question 23

What are the most common drug allergies?

Answer 23

Penicillin
NSAID
General anaesthesia allergy

Question 24

What are the possible topical treatments for allergies?

Answer 24

Inhalers
Creams
Eye drops
Nasal sprays

Question 25

What are the possible symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Answer 25

``` Skin rash Nasal congestion Sore throat Nausea and diarrhoea Dizziness Fever ```

Question 26

What is type 1 hypersensitivity?

Answer 26

Involves IgE antibody against soluble antigen which triggers mast cell degranulation.

Question 27

Give examples of type 1 hypersensitivity reactions.

Answer 27

Anaphylaxis Asthma Hay-fever

Question 28

What is type 2 hypersensitivity?

Answer 28

The Involves IgG and IgM antibodies directed against cellular antigens. Leading to cytotoxicity mediated by other immune system effectors

Question 29

Give examples of type 2 hypersensitivity.

Answer 29

Goodpastures syndrome - antibodies attack basement membrane Haemolytic transfusion reaction - mismatch in blood types, The body is attacked by antibodies

Question 30

What is type 3 hypersensitivity?

Answer 30

Involves interactions of IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies with antigen to form immune complex (when they accumulate in the tissue it can cause damage)

Question 31

Give an example of type 3 hypersensitivity.

Answer 31

Post-streptoccus glomerulonephritis

Question 32

What is type 4 hypersensitivity?

Answer 32

T-cell mediated reactions that involve tissue damage mediated by activated macrophages and cytotoxic T cells cell-mediated hypersensitivity

Question 33

Give examples of type 4 Hypersensitivity.

Answer 33

Type 1 diabetes, MS, Transpant rejections It occurs at least 48-72 hours later