Allergies

Question 1

What is an Allergic Reaction?

Answer 1

Unwanted immune response - allergic or hypersensitivity reactions

Question 2

Type I Hypersensitivity Reactions

Answer 2

Local:
- Atopic diseases
- Urticaria eg. hives
- Food allergies
- Bee stings
- Drug allergies
Systemic:
- Systemic anaphylaxis

Question 3

Type I Allergens

Answer 3

A substance capable of inducing specific, acquired alteration in the capability of a human to react and of evoking the characteristic response of that new reactivity

Question 4

Common Allergens

Answer 4

• Proteins
• Mould spores
• Plant pollens
• Drugs
• Foods
• Insect products
• Animal hair and dander
• Latex

Question 5

House Dust Mites

Answer 5

• Feed on skin flakes

- Allergy to faeces and exoskeleton

Question 6

Dust Mite Elimination

Answer 6

• Hepa-filter for vacuum and air filters
• Air bedding in sunlight
• Clean house and wash linen regularly

Question 7

Atopic Disorders

Answer 7

• Inherited predisposition for higher levels of IgE antibodies
• IgE antibodies normally mediate hypersensitivity
• Atopic individuals therefore develope hypersensitivity to allergens that non atopic indiviuals do not

Question 8

Anaphylaxis

Answer 8

Severe allergic reaction that requires immediate emergency treatment

Question 9

Anaphylaxis Tx

Answer 9

• Call ambulance
• EpiPen
  Prevention:
• Carry EpiPen
• Avoid triggers
• Wear medical alert bracelet
• Inform associates

Question 10

Moderate Allergy Tx

Answer 10

1st line: Oral antihistamines
2nd line: Topical
- Corticosteroids
- Relieve itch
- Tx failure --> Refer to GP

Question 11

Allergic Rhinitis

Answer 11

• Hayfever or perennial

- Linked to Asthma

Question 12

Hayfever

Answer 12

Mucosal reaction in response to allergen exposure- usually grass or plant pollen. Allergan lodges in the mucosal lining of the nasal cavity and activates an allergic response

Question 13

Hayfever Symptoms

Answer 13

• Nasal itch
• Sneezing
• Watery rhinorrhea
• Nasal congestion
• Patient may suffer from watery, irritated eyes

Question 14

Allergic Conjunctivitis Tx

Answer 14

• Oral antihistamines
• Saline wash or Optrex Eye Wash
  Severe:
• Antihistamine eye drops (Livostin)
• Combination Vasoconstrictor/Antihistamine eye drops (also reduces redness eg. Albalon A)

Question 15

Allergic Rhinitis Tx

Answer 15

Systemic:
- Antihistamines
- Oral decongestants
Topical:
- Intranasal corticosteroids
- Antihistmine eye drops
- Nasal decongestant sprays
- Saline nasal sprays/drops

Question 16

Sinusitis

Answer 16

Inflammation of one or more of the paranasal sinuses

Question 17

Sinusitis Symptoms

Answer 17

2 or more of:

• Nasal congestion
• Nasal discharge
• Postnasal drip
• Facial pain or pressure
• Reduction or loss of smell

Question 18

Sinusitis Tx

Answer 18

• Refer to GP (2 courses of antibiotics)
• FESS regularly
• Intranasal corticosteroids
• Nasal decongestants
• Simple analgesics
• Inhalations