ENT - Allergy

Question 1

what is an allergy?

Answer 1

hypersensitive disorder of the immune system.

Question 2

what are common allergic reactions?

Answer 2

eczema, allergic rhinitis, asthma, food allergies.

Question 3

what is the pathophysiology of asthma?

Answer 3

IgE mediated triggering of mast cells and subsequent accumulation of inflammatory cells at sites of antigen deposition.

Question 4

what is the acute allergy response?

Answer 4

Exposure of allergen-

Ag+ specific IgE

Question 5

what is the late-phase allergy response?

Answer 5

2-4 hours

This is due to the migration of other leukocytes such as neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils and macrophages to the initial site.

Question 6

what are host risk factors?

Answer 6

heredity, race, and age.

Question 7

how do you diagnose an allergy?

Answer 7

Skin test: responses to known allergens- high NPV, up to 15% false positives

RAST: presence and levels of allergen-specific IgE.

Question 8

what is the treatment for allergies?

Answer 8

Allergen avoidance

Pharmacotherapy-Antihistamines,Epinephrine

Immunotherapy-Controlled exposure to known allergens to reduce the severity of allergy

Question 9

what is allergic rhinitis?

Answer 9

allergic inflammation of the nasal airways