Immune dysfunctions and diseases Flashcards
What are immunodeficiencies?
Failures of the immune response to protect the body from pathogens, causing increased risk of infections.
Some are present at birth, but most arise later in life.
What are hypersensitivities?
Allergic reactions in which the body responds to harmless agents called allergens as if they were harmful.
What are autoimmune diseases?
Diseases that occur from an inappropriate or excessive immune response. The body mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy tissue.
What is an allergen?
Substances that cause allergic reactions.
What is anaphylaxis?
Severe allergic reaction that is more common in food allergies, insect stings, and drug allergies.
What is HIV?
Human immunodeficiency viral infection caused by a virus that destroys a type of T-cell called CD4. CD4 cells fight infection.
What are opportunistic infections (OI)?
Infections that are more common or more severe because of a weakened immune system.
What are the three stages of HIV infection?
- Acute HIV Infection: Develops 2 to 4 weeks after infection.
- Chronic HIV Infection: HIV is still active but reproduces at low levels.
- AIDS: Final and most severe phase of HIV infection.
What is viral load?
A test measuring the amount of a virus in the blood. High viral loads are linked to disease progression and increased likelihood of opportunistic infections.
How is AIDS diagnosed?
When a person has a CD4 count of less than 200 cells/mm3 or develops opportunistic infections or diseases such as candida, pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, and certain cancers.
How should massage therapy be adjusted for clients with HIV/AIDS?
Determine if the client is robust or frail and adjust pressure accordingly. Consider areas to be avoided and follow facility guidelines when in direct contact with patients.
What is lymphedema?
Lymphedema is swelling caused by removed or damaged lymphatic structures.
Lymphedema usually affects a single limb, such as an arm or leg, and can be temporary or develop into a chronic condition.
What are common complications of chronic lymphedema?
Infections are common complications of chronic lymphedema, especially if left untreated. These complications include cellulitis (bacterial infection of the skin and underlying tissues) and lymphangitis (bacterial infection of the lymph vessels). A small cut or wound in the affected limb can be an entry point for infection.
What is edema?
Edema is swelling caused by fluids moving from blood vessels into the interstitial spaces but, unlike lymphedema, the lymphatic system is intact and undamaged.
Edema can occur anywhere in the body, but most cases are in the upper or lower extremities. Lymphedema and edema can be pitting or nonpitting.
What can cause edema?
Edema can occur from diet (salty foods or beverages), inactivity, recent injury, medication use (corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, antihypertensives, hormone replacement therapy [estrogens, insulin]), advanced pregnancy, or be a sign of underlying conditions such as liver, kidney, or cardiovascular disease.
