Immunologic Disease

Question 1

What are the most important aspects of general screening for immunologic diseases?

Answer 1

- past medical history

• family history
• recent infection

Question 2

What key questions should be asked when suspecting immune system involvement?

Answer 2

• How long have you had this problem?
• Is it acute or chronic?
• Has the problem recurred?
• Are you receiving treatment?

Question 3

What are the 4 categories of immune system disorders?

Answer 3

• Immunodeficiency = Immune system is underactive
• Hypersensitivity = Immune system is hyperactive
• Autoimmune = Immune system attacks other systems
• Immunoproliferative disorders = Abnormal proliferation of primary immune system cells

Question 4

What are the early and late symptoms of HIV/AIDS?

Answer 4

Early:

• constitutional symptoms
• pulmonary symptoms (shortness of breath, cough)
• cutaneous changes (rash, nail changes).

Late:

• Kaposi’s sarcoma,
• opportunistic infections (TB, pneumonia)
• neurological issues (poor coordination, gait disturbances).

Question 5

What is the Gell and Coombs classification of hypersensitivity disorders?

Answer 5

• Type I: Allergies (anaphylaxis),
• Type II: Blood transfusion reactions,
• Type III: Antigen-antibody complexes,
• Type IV: Contact dermatitis.

Question 6

What are the key signs and symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?

Answer 6

• swelling in one or more joints
• early morning stiffness > 45 minutes
• recurring pain/tenderness
• inability to move joint normally

Question 7

How is fibromyalgia differentiated from myofascial pain?

Answer 7

Fibromyalgia presents with global pain and multiple tender points,

Myofascial pain is local and lacks associated symptoms.

Question 8

What are the risk factors, as well as, sign and symptoms for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)?

Answer 8

Risk Factors:

• women (10x more than men)
• ages 20-40
• genetic predisposition
• exposure to UV light
• antibiotics
• extreme stress

Signs & Symptoms:

• butterfly rash
• hair loss
• symmetrical small joint arthritis neurological issues (seizures, polyneuropathy)

Question 9

What are the common symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Answer 9

Early Stage:

• Intermittent LBP (longer than 3 months) relieved by exercise or activity
• SI pain
• Spasm of the paravertebral muscles
• Loss of normal lumbar lordosis
• Possible constitutional symptoms
• Painful limitation of cervical ROM

Advanced Stage:

• Constant low back pain
• Loss of lumbar lordosis
• Ankylosis of the SI joints and spine
• Decreased chest expansion
• Hip flexion posture in standing

Question 10

What are the key risk factors and symptoms of Lyme Disease?

Answer 10

• Red rash (70-80% of cases),
• flu-like symptoms,
• migratory musculoskeletal pain,
• decreased likelihood of arthritis with antibiotic treatment.

Question 11

What are the common neurological symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

Answer 11

• fatigue
• weakness
• ataxia
• (+) Babinski sign
• spasticity
• hyperreflexia

Question 12

What are the key signs and symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

Answer 12

Rapidly progressing weakness (starting in legs), paresthesia, decreased reflexes, fever, and symmetrical paralysis.

Question 13

What are the risk factors for developing Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

Answer 13

• previous infection (respiratory or gastrointestinal),
• vaccinations,
• male gender