CSIM 1.47 Allergic Disease 2

Question 1

What are some causes of anaphylaxis

Answer 1

Food allergy like peanuts, milk, shell fish, eggs, wheat

Insect bites like bees, hornets, wasps, fire ants

Latex allergy

Drug allergy like penicillin

Question 2

Difference between food intolerance and food allergy

Answer 2

Intolerance is a metabolic inability to deal adequately with the substance

Allergic reactions are immune mediated

Question 3

Example of non-IgE food allergy

Answer 3

Coeliac disease (type 4 HS) it is caused by gluten activation of T cells causing destruction of microvilli

Question 4

E.g. Of Mixed IgE and non-IgE food allergy

Answer 4

Eosinophilic esophagitis.

Allergen causes T cell activation and eosinophilic recruitment to the site causing swelling and inflammatory response.

Question 5

Techniques used in investigating allergic disease?

Answer 5

Skin pric test, blood test for specific IgE, food challenge.

Question 6

Treatments available for allergic disease

Answer 6

Mostly symptomatic.

Immunotherapy by chronic exposure of allergen to patient and subsequent desensitisation of their immune system.

Question 7

How to take a allergic history from a patient?

Answer 7

Full history is key, where they’ve been, what they’ve touched/eaten/smelled, who they’ve met, any drugs, or history of such.

Physical examination of extent of allergic reaction.

Severe allergies require community support to prevent exposure.