Allergy Flashcards
How can a diagnosis of seasonal allergic rhinitis be made?
based on history and examination alone - further investigations reserved for refractory cases
What are 3 groups allergic rhinitis can be categorised into?
- season allergic rhinitis (hayfever - tree pollen, grass, mould spores, weeds)
- perennial rhinitis - throughout the year (house dust mites, domestic pets)
- occupational rhinitis - allergics at work e.g. flour, wood dust, latex
What information can give a clue to the allergic in seasonal rhinitis?
- symptoms timing - tree pollen = spring
- grass pollen = spring-summer
- weed pollen = spring- autumn
If the causative agent is not clear in allergic rhinitis, what are 3 tests to consider?
- skin prick test
- blood assays - IgE concentrations via RAST or ELISA
- CT - if suspect chronic rhinosinusitis / neoplasia
What are 3 drugs that can suppress the response to skin prick testing?
- antihistamines
- steroids
- tricyclic antidepressants
What are 7 ways to diminish exposure to house dust mites?
- house dust mite impermeable covers for mattresses and pillows
- synthetic pillows
- acrylic duvets
- soft toys off bed
- wash bedding once a week high temp
- wooden or hard floor coverings (not carpets)
- fitted blinds (not curtains)
What are 3 key treatments for allergic rhinitis?
- topical nasal antihistamines e.g. azelastine - first line for PRN treatment
- oral antihistamines e.g. cetirizine, loratadine
- topical intranasal steroids e.g. beclomethasone, mometasone - first line for pregnant / breastfeeding patients
What is the management of non-IgE mediated food allergy?
Eliminate for 2-6 weeks then gradually re-introduce e.g. egg ladder, dietitian guidance
What type of hypersensitivity reaction is contact dermatitis?
type IV reaction
What is the mechanism of type I hypersensitivity reactions?
- anaphylactic
- antigen reacts with IgE bound to mast cells
What are 2 examples of type I hypersensitivity reactions?
- anaphylaxis
- atopy e.g. asthma, eczema and hayfever
What is the mechanism of type II hypersensitivity reactions?
cell bound: IgG or IgM binds to antigen on cell surface
What are 7 examples of type II hypersensitivity reactions?
- autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
- ITP
- Goodpasture’s syndrome
- Pernicious anaemia
- Acute haemolytic transfusion reactions
- Rheumatic fever
- Pemphigus vulgaris bullous pemphigoid
What is the mechanism of type III hypersensitivity rections?
immune complex - free antigen and antibody (IgG, IgA) combine
What are 4 examples of type III hypersensitivity reactions?
- serum sickness
- systemic lupus erythematosus
- post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis
- extrinsic allergic alveolitis (acute phase)
What is the mechanism of type IV hypersensitivity reactions?
T-ell mediated