allergy Flashcards
describe the pathophysiology of an IgE mediated
rapid release of:
histamine, Tryptase, Hydrolase
-rapid onset of symptoms
LATER imflammatory mediators released: prostaglandins, Leukotrines, PAF, Cytokines
effect of histamine?
- bronchial smooth muscle contraction
- Vasodilation
- Seperation of endothelial cells (resp for hives)
- Pain and itching
what is the genetic influence towards allergy and atopy
maternal atopy
concordance for allergy in twins
no parent: 14%
one parent:30%
2 rents: 60%
hygiene hypothesis
what is an allergy reaction?
IgE mediated
features of an allergy?
rapid onset histamine mediated Urticaria Erythema angiodema Pallor/sweating wheeze Improvement with anti histamines relative quick resolution to symptoms
what are common food allergens?
milk allergy hen's egg tree nuts soya fish sesame wheat
what makes an allergy mild?
mild to moderate:
angiodema (not involving airway)
urticaria and rash
what makes an allergy severe?
angiodema of airway (causing stridor)
bronchospasm
hypotension
what investigation should you do if you suspect an allergy?
skin prick testing
specific IgE
Oral food challenge
pros and cons of skin prick testing?
pros: easy to perform non invasive cheap immediate results- in 20 mins
cons: stop antihistamines 48 hours beforehand broken skin theoretical risk of reaction dermatogiphsm over interpretation of positive results avoid random tests
specific IgE pro’s and cons:
pro's: No need to stop antihistamines no risk of reaction expensive and invasive less sensitive and specific than SPT highly unreliable results in eczema
what is the gold standard test for allergy?
oral food challenge
when to do each tests?
just urticaria- none
suspected food allergy- SPT
angiodema only- (most common in teens with new presentation)look for C4 and C1 esterase inhibitor
allergy treatment?
allergy avoidance
H1 antihistamine (2nd/3rd gen)
high dose antihistamine +/- amntihistamine
leukatrine antagnost
CCS (3-5 days)
tranexamic axid
anti IgE antibody (omalizumab) in children over 7
anaphylaxis features?
laryngeal oedema hypotension/collapse bronchospasm feeling of impending doom onset usually in minutes
almost invariable symptoms begin in 1 hour