Allergies Flashcards
Is an immune response by the body to a substance, especially pollen, fur, a particular food, or dust, to which it has become hypersensitive.
- results due to an abnormal antigen-antibody reaction
Allergy
Taking of health history as assessment of allergies include?
- Family history of allergies
- Obtaining the exact symptom to identify the allergen
Type of allergy caused by airbone antigens
Rhinitis (Sneezing
Type of allergy wherein substance gets in contact with the affected skin
Contact Dermatitis (Rashes)
This type of allergy is caused by ingested antigens (foods like eggs, shrimps)
Urticaria (Swelling / itching)
If the allergy occurs all-year round possible causes of the allergy are?
Dust mites or pet dander
If allergy happens during the summer, it is caused by?
Pollen
If allergy occurs during the fall, it is caused by?
Ragweed
An allergic condition involving the nose
- Can be associated with an allergy of the eye
- Caused when an allergic individual is exposed to allergens which he/she is sensitive
- Causes release of chemicals leading to irritation of the eyes, nose sinuses, and throat
Allergic Rhinitis
Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis
- Nasal congestion & nasal engorgement
- Mouth breathing
- Small creases that form along the lower eyelid
- Sneezing
- Allergic shiners
- Itchy nose, throat and eyes
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Cobblestoning
How is allergic rhinitis diagnosed?
- History taking & examination findings
- Individual allergens are identified from the history and could be confirmed by allergy testing including skin test & blood tests (increased eosinophil count)
What is the goal in treatment of allergic rhinitis?
Reduce exposure to the allergen
How is Allergic Rhinitis treated?
- Avoidance of the allergen (wear masks, avoid exposure)
- Anti-allergy medications (Anti-histamines)
- Decongestants (Pseudoephedrine)
- If symptoms are frequent or severe, preventive medications can be given to prevent the allergic reaction from taking place when exposed to the allergen
It is a condition causing skin reaction from contact with certain substances.
Contact Dermatitis
- Causes direct skin irritation & inflammation
- Most common cause of contact dermatitis
- Nature and extent of the rash depend on the how much substance was present and duration of exposure
Irritant Contact Dermatitis
Common causes of irritatnt contact dermatitis
- Soaps
- Detergents
- Saliva
- Paints
- Cleaners
- Hair Dyes
- Urine
- Lotions
- Perfumes
These causes the body’ immune system to have an allergic reaction. The body releases defense chemicals that cause skin symptoms
- Less common cause of contact dermatitis
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Common causes of allergic contact dermatitis
- Medicines
- Cosmetics
- Latex
- Metals
- Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac
When are patches in patch testing removed?
After 48 hrs
Why should patient not be taking corticosteroids at the time of testing in a patch testing?
To reduce delayed hypersensitivity reactions
Treatement for contact dermatitis mainly focused on?
- Removing the identified allergen from the child’s environment
Symptoms of Contact Dermatitis
- Itchy
- Painful
- Red
- Swollen
- Dry, Cracked, peeling
- Bleeding
- Oozing, draining, crusting
- Blistering
Treatment for Contact Dermatitis
- Calamin / Caladryl lotions
- Hydrocortisone Lotions
- Bakin soda / oatmeal beath
- Dressings moistened with water, saline or Burow’s solution
- Sedative
An acute allergic reaction resulting in a widespread allergic symptoms
- Due to introduction of an allergen in the body that leads mast cells to release massive amounts of histamine
Anaphylactic Shock
