2. Allergy Flashcards
define allergy
response to body’s immune system to normally harmless substances
compare sensitisation to allergy
in sensitisation, no symptoms suggesting immediate onset allergy, but still current sensitisation
2 milk proteins have different epitopes. what are they, and what’s the relevance when heated?
betalac is conformational, destroyed so less allergenic
alas is sequential, preserved so remains allergenic
EATERS consultation method
exposure
allergen
timing
envirnoment
reproducibility
symptoms
describe the process of sensitisation
-food allergen presented to T cell
-TH2 skewed immune response, B cells produce IgE
-allergen specific IgE binds to high affinity receptors on mast cells+ basophils
describe the process of developing allergy symptoms, after sensitisation
-subsequent allergen exposure
-allergens cross link receptor bound IgE, activate m last cells+basophils
-mediator release
=allergy symptoms
does an allergen test determine the presence of allergy?
no, sensitivity
do allergy test levels correlate with severity?
no
do SIgE levels/SPT wheal size correlate with likelihood of allergy?
yes
challenges in determining milk allergy
-non verbal patients
-cant express pruritis
-symtpoms common
-child allergic to entire diet (milk)
challenges in determining pollen food allergy
-anxiety about anphylaxis
-mis diagnosis could cause unneeded diet exclusion or medical precautions
define anaphylaxis
severe life threatening hypersensitivity reaction
why could anaphylaxis be difficult to recognise?
-different reaction patterns
-subtle/absent skin manifesations
-infant symptoms can mimic other conditions
good blood test for allergy
tryptase
anaphylaxis treatment
IM adrenaline
oxygen
IV fluids
supine (prevents arrest, ventricles full of blood)
