Allergy Flashcards
is allergy more present in developed or developing countries?
developed
what are the host risk factors for allergy?
hereditary
race
age
what are the environmental risk factors?
> alterations in exposure to infectious diseases in early childhood
environmental pollution
allergen levels
dietary changes
what are the occupational risk factors?
> flour
latex
wood dust
what is urticaria/angioedema?
skin allergy in the skin
define rhinitis?
upper respiratory allergy
what is lower respiratory allergy?
asthma
what is systemic allergy?
anaphylaxis
what is allergic rhinitis associated with?
> asthma
> atopic dermatitis
what are the immediate symptoms of allergic rhinitis?
> sneezing
itch
nasal blockage
rhinorrhoea
what are the late symptoms of allergic rhinitis?
> chronic obstruction
hyposmia
hyperreactivity
define allergy
hypersensitive disorder of the immune system
define allergen
antigens that causes allergic reaction
describe the pathophysiology of type 1-immediate hypersensitivity reaction
sensitisation: > plasma cells produce ige > bind to mast cells re-exposure > mast cells degranulate > release of histamine, leukotrienes, prostaglandins and chemotactic factors
what are the effects of histamine, leukotrienes, prostaglandins and chemotactic agents?
> vasodilation
increased vasculature permeability
smooth muscle contraction
leukocyte infiltration
what happens 2-4 hours after the initial response- late stage response?
other leukocytes (neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils and macrophages) migrate to the initial site
what is the classification for intermittent rhinitis?
less than 4 days a week or less than 4 consecutive weeks
what is the classification for persistent rhinitis?
more than 4 days a week and more than 4 consecutive weeks
what is the classification for mild rhinitis?
> normal sleep
no impairment of daily activities
no impairment of work and school
symptoms persistent but not troublesome
what is the classification for moderate to severe rhinitis?
> sleep disturbance
impairment of daily activities
impairment of school or work
troublesome symptoms
how may you diagnose allergic rhinitis?
> skin test > RAST: presence and levels of allergen specific IgE > In Vitro serum specific IgE > total serum IgE > nasal allergen challenge > nasal cytology
to which patients is immunotherapy given?
to those who are really struggling with their allergies
what is the pharmacotherapy for allergic rhinitis?
> topical intranasal steroids > systemic steroids > antihistamines > sodium cromoglycate > allergen immunotherapy > anti IgE
