2.1.1 Introduction to Food Allergy I Flashcards
Why is allergy important?
Common
Associated with significant morbidity
May lead to:
- Reduced sleep and productivity
- Absent from school/work
- Restrictive diets can result in anxiety, isolation/exclusion
CAN BE FATAL
What is allergy?
Not a disease but a mechanism leading to disease
What is involved in an allergy?
- Immunologically-mediated and allergen specific hypersensitivity
- Seen in almost all organs, particularly in skin and mucous membranes
- Leads to different diseases via different pathomechanisms
What is the definition of an allergy?
Hypersensitivity reaction initiaed by a specific immunological mechanism
Can be IgE-mediated or non-IgE mediated
What is the definition of atopy?
Personal and/or family tendency to produce IgE in response to normal exposure to potential allergens, usually proteins
Strongly associated with asthma,eczema,hay fever and food allergies
What is an allergen?
Any substance stimulating the production of IgE or a cellular immune response
Usually proteins but can be carbohydrates
What is sensitivity?
Normal response to a stimulus
What is hypersensitivity?
Objectively reproducible symtpoms/signs following exposure to a defined stimulus usually tolerated by others
What is sensitisation?
Production of allergen specific IgE (detected by skin prick testing or IgE assay) after repeated exposure to an allergen
Sensitisation is not the same as allergy
What is anaphylaxis?
Serious allergic reaction with laryngeal, bonchials and/or cardiovascular involvement, that is rapid in onset and can cause death
What is food?
Substance whether processed, semi-processed or raw that is intended for human consumption
Plus any substance used in food prep
What is a food allergy?
Abnormal immunological response following exposure to food
Multiple types of food allergy each with distinct features
What is the difference between sensitisation and allergy?
Sensitisation
- Clinical, no symptoms suggesting immediate onset allergy
- Current sensitisation, IgE without corresponding to clinical picture
Silent sensitisation (risk of allergic disease)
Allergy
- Clinical, symtpoms suggestive of immediate allergy
- Current sensitisation, specific IgE corresponding to clinical symptoms
Allergy
What is allergic rhinitis?
Hayfever
Blocked/runny nose
Sneezing
Itching
Triggered by:
- Pollens
- Pets
- House dust mites
Whats allergic conjuctivitis?
Red, itchy swollen watery eyes (both)
Triggered by:
- Pollen
- Pets
- House dust mites
What is allergic march?
Changes in the prevalence of allergy with age
