Chapter 5 Flashcards
(28 cards)
Allergens
The environmental substance that causes a reaction.
Allergy
The state when the immune response is too intense or hypersensitive to an environmental substance.
Anaphylaxis
An immediate allergic reaction characterized by contraction of smooth muscle and dilation of capillaries, leading to severe respiratory distress or failure.
Antigen(s)
A cell marker that induces a state of sensitivity after coming in contact with an antibody; any substance that causes the body some type of harm, thus setting off the specific reaction
Autoimmune
The state when the immune response attacks itself.
Bronchospasm
Muscular constriction of the bronchi of the respiratory tract.
Corticosteroids
Powerful anti-inflammatory hormones.
Cytotoxic
Something that kills cells.
Hemolytic
Destruction of red blood cells.
Hypersensitivity
A condition in which there is an excessive response by the body to the stimulus of a foreign body.
Immunodeficiency
The state when the immune response is unable to defend the body due to a decrease or absence of leukocytes, primarily lymphocytes.
Isoimmune
A high level of a specific antibody as a result of antigen stimulation from the red blood cells of another individual; Isoimmunization may occur when an Rh-negative person is treated with a transfusion of Rh-positive blood.
Kaposi’s sarcoma
Blood vessel cancer that causes reddish purple skin lesions.
Pneumocystis carinii
A protozoan infection of the lungs, commonly occurring in immunodeficient individuals
Prophylactic
Something that works to prevent.
Self-antigen
The body’s own antigen
Status asthmatics
A severe asthma attack that last for several days.
Streptococcal
Relating to the organism Streptococcus; an anaerobic, gram-positive bacteria.
Urticaria
An allergic reaction resulting in a skin eruption of wheals that cause intense it’s itching.
Tell the description, etiology,symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of:
ALLERGIES
Description:
Allergies are among the most prevalent types of hypersensitivity problems.
Etiology:
Allergy is an acquired hypersensitivity. The individual with an allergy must first be exposed or sensitized to the antigen.
Symptoms:
Most allergens are airborne. Westcott or symptoms can include running nose, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and nasal congestion. Other allergies can lead to redness, heat, swelling, and itching of the involved tissue.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis of allergies is often made on the basis of history and physical exam along with testing. Positive skin sensitivity testing and blood testing, including an elevated blood eosinophil (a white blood cells that responds in allergic conditions) level, are indicative of allergies.
Treatment:
Treatments include avoidance of the allergen, allergy desensitization injections, and anti-histamine and steroid medications.
Prevention:
Prevention of all hypersensitivity disorders is total avoidance of the allergen or, in the case of autoimmune diseases, minimizing the hyper immune symptoms.
Tell the description, etiology,symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of:
HAYFEVER
Description:
Hayfever is a reaction in the mucous membranes of the nose and upper respiratory tract to allergen.
Etiology:
The allergen is usually airborne and can be seasonal. Tree pollen, grasses, agricultural crops, and Ragweed pollen can cause an increase in symptoms during the different seasons of the year. Nonseasonal hayfever can be the result of house dust, pet dander, or food allergies.
Symptoms:
Symptoms include sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, and itching.
Diagnosis:
Skin testing is the most common method of allergy testing for hay fever.
Treatment:
Treatment of hayfever includes removal of the allergen for separation of the allergen and the hayfever sufferer. Individuals who suffer from hayfever can choose to move permanently to a different climate or to the vacation in a different area when the pollen count is high in their area. An air-conditioned environment is beneficial because it filters much of the allergen. Antihistamines and other drugs can be given orally–and in nose drops and sprays– In an effort to control symptoms. Allergy desensitization might be of benefit.
Tell the description, etiology,symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of:
Asthma
Description:
The chronic allergic condition is also known as bronco asthma. It affects 5% to 10% of children, making it the leading cause of chronic illness in childhood. Male children have asthma twice as often as girls prior to puberty. After puberty, the ratio is more equal.
Tell the description, etiology,symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of
Urticaria
Description: Commonly called hives or nettle rash, urticaria is a vascular reaction of the skin.
Etiology: this condition is caused by contact with an external irritant such as insect bites Pollen, drugs, food, or plants.
Symptoms: the condition is characterized by slightly elevated lesions that are reader or paler than the surrounding skin and is associated with severe itching. Elevated areas are called wheals or hives. Scratching or rubbing the hypersensitive area can lead to formation of larger or additional wheals.
Diagnosis: a physical examination will help diagnose this skin reaction. A history of recent exposure to plants, insect bites, pets, new foods or medications might assist in identifying the allergen.
Treatment: treatment includes antihistamines and avoidance of allergen.
Tell the description, etiology,symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of:
Anaphylaxis
Description: this is a severe allergic response to an allergen often leading to an anaphylactic shock.
Etiology: anaphylaxis also known as anaphylactic reaction, is caused by absorption of the antigen into the blood directly or through the mucous membranes. Food allergy is believed to be the leading cause of anaphylaxis outside the hospital. Other common causes of anaphylaxis include medications, insects and latex.
Symptoms: a local anaphylactic reaction might be mild produce generalized itching, swelling, urticaria. His reaction should be closely monitored because it might rapidly progress to systemic anaphylaxis. Systemic anaphylaxis is a true medical emergency involving the release of histamines throughout body tissues. Within minutes, the individuals feel itchy of the throat, tongue, and scalp. Edema or swelling of the face and airways leads to difficulty breathing. The individual suffers a huge drop in blood pressure (shock)and body temperature. Unconsciousness usually occurs with the drop in blood pressure. If these symptoms are not reversed with medical attention, death from respiratory and cardiac arrest can occur within 15 to 20 minutes.
Diagnosis: symptoms of anaphylaxis generally initiate within minutes and last less than 24 hours. The diagnosis is made rapidly, based on the presenting symptoms.
Treatment: treatment during an attack might include performance of an emergency tracheostomy or endotracheal intubation with mechanical ventilation. Immediate administration of epinephrine medication is necessary. Epinephrine is a vasoconstrictor and a smooth-muscle relaxant. EFax of epinephrine will base the blood pressure, dilate the bronchi, and decrease laryngeal spasms. Antihistamines and corticosteroids (powerful anti-inflammatory hormones) are given to limit histamine production, thus slowing the allergic reaction. Follow-up treatment should include identifying the allergen. The individualis is taught to identify and avoid the allergen and recognize the onset of a reaction. These individuals should wear an allergy identification necklace or bracelet. Individuals who experience this reaction should always carry an allergy kit containing Benadryl, syringes, and vials of epinephrine. The individual and family members should understand and practice appropriate steps in treatment of a reaction.
