week 6- allergy Flashcards
allergy definition
the clinical manifestation of an adverse immune response after repeated contact with a typically harmless substance (e.g., pollens, mold spores, animal dander, dust mites, foods, stinging insects), regardless of mechanism
atopy definition
the predisposition to an immune response against antigens and allergens, leading to CD4+ Th2 differentiation and overproduction of IgE (Type 1 hypersensitivity reaction)
what T cell, type of hypersensitivity rxn and Ig_ are in atopy
CD4+ Th2
IgE
type 1 hypersensitivity
allergic rhinitis defintion
an inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes caused by an IgE-mediated response to exposure to one or more allergens
Ig_ in allergic rhinitis
IgE
common manifestations of atopy
allergic rhinitis, asthma, eczema
allergic rhinitis is classified as
as a component of systemic allergic response (e.g., asthma, atopic dermatitis) – with an underlying systemic pathology
(not just nasal airway alone)
allergic rhinitis prevalence
20-30% adults, 40% kids
gency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) said allergic rhinitis is ___ most prevalent chronic illness
6th
one of the most chronic pediatric disorders
allergic rhinitis
greatest onset of allergic rhinitis in
adolescence
risk factors for allergic rhinitis
genes
location, season
family history of atopy,
male sex,
a presence of allergen-specific IgE,
a serum IgE greater than 100IU/mL before age 6,
higher socioeconomic status
1st year of life: early introduction of foods and formula, cigarette exposure
protective factors for allergic rhinitis
breastfeeding, early pet exposure, “farm effect”
impact of allergic rhinitis
school + work, sleep, fatigue, productivity, economic costs (medications…)
diminished quality of life
diagnosis of allergic rhinitis via
Patient history
Symptoms
Physical examination findings
Allergy testing
pt history for allergic rhinitis
age of onset
symptoms (onset, duration, exposures, magnitude of reaction, patterns, chronicity); exacerbating/alleviating factors; seasonal variation; environmental influences; allergies; medical history; and past and current treatments
constitutional sx (headahe, malaise, fatigue)
asthma hx
seasonal? persistent (could be indoor allergen)?
acute onset if think allergic rhinitis is probably
(one week or less) usually suggests a viral etiology, acute exacerbation of allergic rhinitis, or possibly a foreign body (more commonly unilateral and in children)
chronic allergic rhinitis often has
postnasal drip, chronic nasal congestion, and obstruction
anaphylactic rxn from food or insect sting indicated
atopy
antihistamine and intranasal corticosteroids for
allergy
medications that can lead to allergic rhinitis sx
Beta-blockers, acetylsalicylic acid, NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors, and hormone therapy
common allergens
pollens, furred animals, textile flooring/upholstery, tobacco smoke, humidity levels at home, other noxious substance exposure
seasonal allergic rhinitis caused by
pollens and spores
Flowering shrub and tree pollens in the spring; flowering plants and grasses in the summer; and ragweed and molds in the fall
perennial rhinitis
Dust, household mites, air pollution, and pet dander may produce year-round “perennial rhinitis”