lung immunology Flashcards
define allergy?
exaggerated immunological response to a foreign substance (allergen) which is either inhaled, swallowed, injected, or comes in contact with skin/eye.
what is hypersensitivity?
exaggerated response.
what is intolerance?
inability to consume or absorb/metabolise nutrients.
what is atopy?
the genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases
** what are the types of hypersensitivity?
** insert pic
****what immune response for virus, bacteria, fungi, protozoa?
what immune response for helminths, ectoparasites?
T helper type 1 cells
T helper type 2 cells
these produce a lot of cytokines to stimulate 3 more populations of cells to produce more cytokines
what can the MPPtype 2 cell differentiate into?
mast cell, basophil or macrophage under influence by cytokines.
what is atopy?
Defined as the hereditary predisposition to produce IgE antibodies against common environmental allergens.
what are atopic diseases?
- allergic rhinitis
- asthma
- atopic eczema
what is allergic match?
describes the common progression from atopic dermatitis to allergic asthma (link has recently been found between the two).
what is the airway disease that affects the upper airways?
caused by?
hay fever
17% of population
caused by grass pollens, tree pollens, weed pollens, fungal pollens
what are common causes of hay fever?
- House dust mite.
- Cats and dogs.
- Alternaria (a form of fungus).
- Cockroaches.
- Horses
what happens when the middle and lower airways are affected?
- asthma
- affects 8-10%
- very heterogenous disease (lots of phenotypes)
- symptoms include cough, dyspnoea, wheezing, chest tightness and secretions
how are allergic airway diseases treated?
- principles of treatment include allergen avoidance, anti allergic medication, immunotherapy
how can allergen infection immunotherapy be taken?
- either subcutaneously or sublingually
