Lecture 5 Flashcards
(113 cards)
What is an Antigen/Allergen?
Noninfectious foreign substance
What is an Allergy?
Hypersensitive response of the immune system to a substance introduced into the body
What is a Pseudoallergy?
Chronic urticaria (skin rash) caused by certain drugs, temperature changes, and emotional states, and in some reactions to drugs
What is Anaphylaxis?
Acute reaction involving smooth muscle of the bronchi. Mast cells release histamine → smooth muscle contraction → acute respiratory compromise and cardiovascular collapse
What is Angioedema? What parts of the face does it usually affect?
Edema that occurs in deep layers of tissues and often involves lips, tongue, infraorbital tissues, and larynx.
What does IgE have to do with hypersensitivity reactions?
Key antibody involved with type I hypersensitivity reactions.
What are Mast cells?
Cells that release histamine during allergic reactions.
What is an allergy?
A hypersensitive reaction to an ordinarily harmless substance.
What is the majority of allergies caused by?
Environmental factors.
Name some common environmental allergens.
Dust, pollen, latex.
What are some common food allergens?
Peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, milk, eggs, wheat.
What are some common allergens related to insect stings?
Insect stings.
What medications are common allergens?
Aspirin, NSAIDs, penicillin, radiographic contrast media.
What are common allergens found in the dental office?
Latex gloves, glutens in some dental materials, some fluoride varnishes (pine nut allergies), preservatives in local anesthetics.
What is the initial exposure to an allergen called?
Sensitizing dose
What activates the body’s immune response during the initial exposure?
Initial exposure to antigen
Which antibody is produced in response to an allergen?
IgE
Where does IgE attach in the body?
Mast cells and basophils
What happens to IgE after it attaches to mast cells and basophils?
It lies dormant until the body encounters the antigen again
What is the term for the subsequent exposure to the same allergen?
Challenge dose
Where are mast cells and basophils found in the body?
Lungs, small intestine, and connective tissue
What occurs when the antigen is encountered again (challenging dose of a hypersensitivity reaction) ?
Mast cells and basophils undergo degranulation
What do mast cells and basophils release during degranulation?
Chemical mediators to destroy the allergen
What initiates the allergic reaction?
Degranulation of mast cells and basophils