Allergy/Immunology Flashcards
Anaphylaxis Presentation
hemodynamic instability (w/ hypotension & tachycardia) and difficulty breathing
Anaphylaxis Treatment
IM epi 1:1000 concentration
corticosteroids
H1-blocking antihistamine (diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine)
Angioedema etiologies
minor trauma to face or hands
ACE-I
C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency (hereditary)
How to dx hereditary angioedema
Look for low levels of C2 & C4 in the complement pathway
Angioedema treatment modalities
- C1 inhibitor concentrate (best initial therapy w/ laryngeal involvement)
- Icatibant
- Androgens for chronic therapy (danazol & stanozolol)
- FFP (acute episodes)
Efficacy of antihistamines, glucocorticoids, and epi in hereditary angioedema
Ineffective.
PPX for angioedema - treatment
- antifibrinolytic (tranexamic acid)
- androgens
- C1 esterase inhibitor infusion
Most effective treatment for allergic rhinitis
intranasal corticosteroids
Allergic rhinitis Presentation
recurrent episodes of nasal itching, stuffiness, rhinorhea, paroxysms of sneezing. Eye itching and dermatitis may also be present.
Mainstay of treatment of allergic rhinitis
Avoidance of allergen.
If not possible, desensitization may work (can’t be on beta-blockers tho)
Common Variable Immunodeficiency - Presentation
recurrent sinopulmonary infections. more common in adults.
spruelike abdominal disorder (malabsorption, steatorrhea)
Enlargement of lymph nodes, adenoids, spleen.
Common Variable Immunodeficiency - Diagnosis
Total IgG levels are low.
Able to make Ig, but immune cells don’t make enough.
Common Variable Immunodeficiency - Treatment
Continuous Infusion of IVIG.
Bruton Agammaglobulinemia - Inheritance & Presentation
X-linked
recurrent sinopulmonary infx in male children
Bruton Agammaglobulinemia - Dx & Treatment
- Diminished or absent lymph nodes, adenoids, and spleen. Missing B cells and Ig.
- IVIG infusion.
