allergic rhinitis and hypersensitivity reactions

Question 1

what is allergic rhinitis?

Answer 1

an IgE mediated immunological reaction following exposure to an allergen (e.g hay fever)

Question 2

explain persistent vs intermittent allergic rhinitis?

Answer 2

persistent: most days for more than 28 days at a time
intermittent: less than 4 days a week for less than 28 days at a time

Question 3

explain the process of type 1 hypersensitivity reactions?

Answer 3

on exposure to the allergen B cells are activated, this creates IgE antibodies which bind to fc receptors on mast cells or CD63 receptors on basophils causing degranulation

Question 4

what is used to reduce histamine release for allergic rhinitis and other type 1 sensitivity reactions?

Answer 4

mast cell stabilisers e.g sodium cromoglicate

Question 5

give a second generation antihistamine and why are they better than first generation for allergy symptoms?

Answer 5

loratidine, citrizine etc
better because they are non drowsy

Question 6

explain type 2 hypersensitivity reactions?

Answer 6

immune system produces antibodies which mistakenly bind to healthy cells, sending them to be destroyed

Question 7

explain type 3 hypersensitivity reactions?

Answer 7

an excess of antigen-antibody complexes accumulate in tissues, causing inflammation

Question 8

give 4 symptoms of allergic rhinitis?

Answer 8

runny nose, itchy nose, blocked nose, sneezing

Question 9

what type of receptors are H1?

Answer 9

Gq coupled receptors

Question 10

what type of receptors are H2?

Answer 10

Gs coupled receptors

Question 11

what is the first line treatment of anaphylaxis?

Answer 11

ephedrine