Allergic disorder Flashcards
What is allergic rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory disorder of the nose where the nose becomes sensitized to allergens such as house dust mites and grass, tree, and weed pollens.
What are the classifications of allergic rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis may be classified as seasonal, perennial, or occupational.
What is seasonal allergic rhinitis?
Seasonal allergic rhinitis is when symptoms occur around the same time every year, often referred to as hay fever when caused by pollens.
What is perennial allergic rhinitis?
Perennial allergic rhinitis is when symptoms occur throughout the year.
What is occupational allergic rhinitis?
Occupational allergic rhinitis is when symptoms follow exposure to particular allergens within the workplace.
What are the features of allergic rhinitis?
Features include sneezing, bilateral nasal obstruction, clear nasal discharge, post-nasal drip, and nasal pruritus.
What is the management for mild-to-moderate allergic rhinitis?
Management includes allergen avoidance and oral or intranasal antihistamines.
What is the management for moderate-to-severe allergic rhinitis?
For moderate-to-severe persistent symptoms, intranasal corticosteroids are recommended, and a short course of oral corticosteroids may be needed for important life events.
What should be noted about topical nasal decongestants?
Topical nasal decongestants (e.g., oxymetazoline) may be used short-term, but prolonged use can lead to tachyphylaxis and rebound hypertrophy of the nasal mucosa (rhinitis medicamentosa).
Allergy tests and notes
What is Cow’s milk protein intolerance/allergy (CMPI/CMPA)?
CMPI/CMPA occurs in around 3-6% of all children and typically presents in the first 3 months of life in formula-fed infants.
What types of reactions are associated with CMPI/CMPA?
Both immediate (IgE mediated) and delayed (non-IgE mediated) reactions are seen. CMPA is used for immediate reactions and CMPI for mild-moderate delayed reactions.
What are common features of CMPI/CMPA?
Features include regurgitation and vomiting, diarrhoea, urticaria, atopic eczema, ‘colic’ symptoms (irritability, crying), wheeze, and chronic cough.
What rare symptoms may occur in CMPI/CMPA?
Rarely, angioedema and anaphylaxis may occur.
How is CMPI/CMPA diagnosed?
Diagnosis is often clinical, with improvement noted after cow’s milk protein elimination. Investigations include skin prick/patch testing and specific IgE (RAST) for cow’s milk protein.
What should be done if symptoms are severe in CMPI/CMPA?
If symptoms are severe (e.g. failure to thrive), refer to a paediatrician.
What is the first-line replacement formula for formula-fed infants with mild-moderate symptoms?
Extensive hydrolysed formula (eHF) milk is the first-line replacement formula.
What formula should be used for infants with severe CMPA or no response to eHF?
Amino acid-based formula (AAF) should be used.
What percentage of infants are also intolerant to soya milk?
Around 10% of infants are also intolerant to soya milk.
What management should be followed for breastfed infants with CMPI/CMPA?
Continue breastfeeding and eliminate cow’s milk protein from the maternal diet. Consider prescribing calcium supplements for breastfeeding mothers.
What should be used when breastfeeding stops?
Use eHF milk until 12 months of age and at least for 6 months.
What is the prognosis for CMPI?
CMPI usually resolves in most children.
What is the prognosis for children with IgE mediated intolerance?
Around 55% will be milk tolerant by the age of 5 years.
What is the prognosis for children with non-IgE mediated intolerance?
Most children will be milk tolerant by the age of 3 years.
Why is a challenge often performed in a hospital setting?
A challenge is performed in the hospital setting as anaphylaxis can occur.
What are the two types of food allergies according to the 2011 NICE guidelines?
IgE mediated and non-IgE mediated allergies.
What does the NICE guidance not govern?
Food intolerance, which is not caused by immune system dysfunction.
What are common symptoms of IgE-mediated allergies in the skin?
Pruritus, erythema, urticaria, angioedema.