Allergies and Drug Reactions Flashcards
When do allergic reactions occur?
When a person’s immune system overreacts to a normally harmless substance
What is hypersensitivity?
An immune reaction which causes damage to self
What are the main hypersensitivity reactions that involve the skin?
Type I and type IV
Which type of hypersensitivity can result in anaphylaxis?
Type 1
Describe urticaria?
Very itchy lesions which appear in 1 hour- can last up to 24 hours
Describe type 1 hypersensitivity?
The antigen induces cross linking of IgE bound to mast cells and basophils, with release of vasoactive mediators
How quickly do type 1 hypersensitivity reactions occur?
Within minutes and up to 2 hours
How can a person be exposed to an allergen?
Contact, inhalation, ingestion, injection
In type 1 reactions, must the history be consistent with every reaction?
Yes
Describe angioedema?
Localised swelling of subcutaneous tissue or mucous membranes, not usually itchy and associated with non-pitting oedema
What are some features of a clinical presentation of a type 1 reaction?
Urticaria, angioedema, wheezing/asthma, anaphylaxis
What are some investigations for type 1 hypersensitivity?
Specific IgE test (RAST), skin prick testing, challenge testing
What must you do while performing a challenge test?
Monitor vital signs
When should a challenge test be done?
Only if the skin prick test is negative
What test can be done during anaphylaxis?
Serum mast cell tryptase levels
How do you manage type 1 allergy?
Allergen avoidance, anti-histamines, steroids, adrenaline, mast cell stabilisers, immunotherapy
How much adrenaline should an auto injector for adults and children?
Adults = 300micrograms, children = 150micrograms
How many adrenaline auto injectors should patients with type 1 allergy be given?
2
Anaphylaxis is a life threatening reaction which is usually characterised by what?
Rapidly developing symptoms involving the airway (pharynx/larynx oedema), breathing (bronchospasm) and circulation (hypotension, tachycardia)
Give some examples of reactions which are not allergic?
Not mediated by IgE, direct mast cell degranulation, metabolic, toxins
Give two drugs which can cause direct mast cell degranulation?
Morphine, NSAIDs
Give an example of a metabolic non-immune mediated reaction?
Lactose intolerance
Describe type IV hypersensitivity?
Sensitised Th1 cells release cytokines which activate macrophages and CD8+ T cells to mediate cellular damage