31: Allergies & Anaphylaxis Flashcards
An unusual or exaggerated allergic reaction to a foreign protein or other substance.
Anaphylaxis
Note: anaphylaxis means the opposite of phylaxis or protection.
An exaggerated, response by the immune system to a foreign substance.
Allergic Reaction
Any of an order of highly specialized insects such as bees and wasps.
Hymenoptera
The body system responsible for combating infection.
Immune system
Complex cascade of events within the body that works toward the destruction or inactivation of pathogens, abnormal cells, or foreign molecules.
Immune response
A disease producing agent or invading substance.
Pathogen
Any poisonous chemical secreted by bacteria or released following destruction of the bacteria.
Toxin
Immunity resulting from a direct attack of a foreign substance by specialized cells of the immune system.
Cellular Immunity
Immunity resulting from attack of an invading substance by antibodies.
Humoral Immunity
Principal agent of a chemical attack of an invading substance
Antibody
Alternative term for antibody.
Immunoglobulin (IG)
Any substance that is capable under appropriate conditions, of inducing a specific immune response.
Antigen
Initial, generalized response to an antigen.
Primary Response.
Response by the immune system that takes place if the body is exposed to the same antigen again;.
SECONDARY RESPONSE
Note: In secondary response, antibodies specific for the offending antigen are released
Genetic predetermined immunity that is present at birth; also called innate immunity.
Natural Immunity
Immunity that develops over time and results from exposure to an antigen.
Acquired Immunity
Immunity that begins to develop after birth and is continually enhanced by exposure to new pathogens and antigens throughout life.
Naturally Acquired Immunity
Immunity achieved through vaccination given to generate an immune response that results in the development of antibodies specific for the injected antigens; also called artificial acquired immunity.
Induced Active Immunity
Acquired immunity that occurs following exposure to an antigen and results in the production of antibodies specific for the antigen.
Active Immunity
Acquired immunity that results from administration of antibodies either from mother to the infant across the placental barrier (natural immunity) or through vaccination(induced immunity).
Passive Immunity
Initial exposure of a person to an antigen that results in an immune response.
Sensitization
In unexpected and exaggerated reaction to a particular antigen. It is used synonymously with the term allergy.
Hypersensitivity
A hypersensitive state acquired through exposure to a particular allergen
Allergy
A hypersensitivity reaction that takes place after the elapse of some time following re-exposure to an antigen.
Delayed Hypersensitivity Reaction
Note: Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions are usually less severe that immediate reactions.
A hypersensitivity reaction that occurs swiftly following re-exposure to an antigen.
Immediate Hypersensitivity Reaction
Note: These reactions are usually more severe that delayed reactions. The swiftest and most severe is Anaphylaxis.
A substance capable of inducing allergy of specific hypersensitivity.
Allergens
Note: Allergens may be protein or non-protein, although most are protein.
Type of white blood cell that participates in allergic response.
Basophils
Specialized cell of immune system which contains chemicals that assist in the immune response.
Mast Cells
A product of mast cells and basophils that causes vasodilation, capillary permeability, bronchoconstriction, and contraction of the gut.
Histamine
Marked edema of the skin that usually involves the head, neck, face, and upper airway; a common manifestation of severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis.
Angioneurotic Edema
Substance released from basophils and mast cells that causes spasm of the bronchiole smooth muscle, resulting in an asthma-like attack and occasionally anaphylaxis.
Slow-reaction substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A)
The raised areas, or wheals, that occur on the surface of the skin, associated this vasodilation due to histamine release; commonly called “hives”.
Uticaria
