ENT-Allergy Flashcards

1
Q

Define Allergy

A

Allergy is a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction to certain environmental allergens.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Why is the incidence of allergy rising in developed countries?

A
  • Hygiene Theory. People arn’t building up a tolerance to environmental antigens as children due to better hygiene.
  • Our diet becoming more processed
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are the risk factors for allergy?

A

Host

  • Heredity
  • Race
  • Age

Environmental:

  • Certain Dietary Changes
  • Allergen Levels
  • Altered exposure to infectious diseases in early childhood
  • Environmental pollution

Occupational:
- E.g. exposure to flour, latex or wood dust

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

How do allergic reactions vary?

A

They can be local or systemic.

They vary based on:

  • Individual
  • Allergen
  • Mode of introduction
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Define an allergen?

A

The particle who’s antigen triggers the allergic reaction.

Usually they’re proteins

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Explain how an allergy develops and a reaction occurs?

A

1) On 1st exposure plasma cells produce specific IgE antibodies (i.e. becoming sensitized)
2) IgE binds to mast cells
3) On re-exposure they trigger the mast cells to degranulate, giving out histamine, leukotrienes, prostaglandins & Chemotactic factors
4) Inflammatory response occurs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Explain the phases of an allergic reaction?

A

Acute response:

  • Acute Inflammation
  • If systemic can be anaphylaxis

Late Response:

  • 2-4 hours later
  • Occurs due to migration of distant leukocytes (e.g. neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils & macrophages)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

How do we classify allergy

A

Using the ARIA classification

Split into intermittent vs persistent
And Mild vs Moderate/severe

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What makes an allergy intermittent or persistent?

A

Intermittent if:

  • <4days/wk
  • OR <4 consecutive wks

Persistent:

  • 4 or more days/wk
  • AND 4 or more consecutive wks
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

How do we divide allergies into mild or moderate-severe?

A

Its moderate-severe if:

  • Sleep Disturbances
  • Impairs Daily Activities
  • Impairs Work or school
  • Symptoms are troublesome
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

How do we diagnose an allergy?

A

Allergic Skin Test:
- Tests skin response to known allergens

Radioallergosorbent Blood Test:
- Tests for presence & level of allergen specific IgE

Also:

  • Total Serum IgE
  • Nasal Allergen Challenge
  • Nasal Cytology
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

How do we treat Allergies?

A

Allergen Avoidance is First line.

Salty Water (Saline) Spray

Pharmacotherapy:

  • Steroids (topical vs systemic)
  • Antihistamines
  • Sodium Cromoglycate
  • Anti-IgE

Immunotherapy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Define Allergic Rhinitis?

A

Allergic Inflammation of the Nasal Airways

Occurs when a person with a sensitized immune system breaths the allergen in

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are the risk factors for Allergic Rhinitis?

A
  • Environmental (Same as general allergy risk factors)
  • Atopy (i.e. associated with other atopic disease e.g. eczema/asthma)
  • 1st Born
  • Family History
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are the symptoms of allergic rhinitis?

A

Immediate:

  • Sneezing
  • Itching
  • Nasal Blockage
  • Rhinorrhoea

Late (delayed):

  • Chronic Obstruction
  • Hyposmia (Reduced smell due to nasal blockage preventing air flow to olfactory nerves)
  • Hyperreactivity
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly