Minor ailments

Question 1

L15

What is an allergy and What is an allergen?

Answer 1

An allergy is an immune system reaction to a harmless substance, classified as a hypersensitivity disorder.
An allergen is a substance that triggers an allergic reaction.

Question 2

L15 Allergies

Name risk factors for allergies.

Answer 2

Heredity, gender, race, age, environmental factors (pollution, allergen levels, dietary changes).

Question 3

L15 Allergies

Define atopy.

Answer 3

A genetic predisposition to produce IgE antibodies in response to allergens, affecting the nose, eyes, skin, and lungs.

Question 4

L15 Allergies

List common allergens and examples.

Answer 4

Proteins (e.g., foreign serum, vaccines)

Plant pollens (e.g., rye grass, ragweed)

Foods (e.g., nuts, seafood)

Drugs (e.g., penicillin)

Insect products (e.g., bee venom)

Question 5

L15 Allergies

What are the actions of histamine on H1 receptors?

Answer 5

Vasodilation (erythema)

Increased capillary permeability (oedema)

Smooth muscle contraction (bronchoconstriction, GI motility)

Stimulation of sensory nerves (itch)

Increased gland secretions (nasal, salivary)

Question 6

L15 Allergies

What is allergic rhinitis?

Answer 6

Inflammation of the nasal lining causing sneezing, nasal discharge, and blockage, affecting 1 in 5 people in the UK

Question 7

L15 Allergies

Differentiate between types of allergic rhinitis.

Answer 7

Seasonal (e.g., hay fever): Symptoms occur with outdoor allergens (e.g., pollen).

Perennial: Year-round symptoms caused by indoor allergens (e.g., dust mites).

Occupational: Work-related allergens (e.g., wood dust).

Question 8

L15 Allergies

Name non-pharmacological strategies for managing allergic rhinitis.

Answer 8

Allergen avoidance (e.g., keeping windows closed)

Using wrap-around sunglasses

Regular cleaning to minimize allergens

Question 9

L15 Allergies

What are pharmacological treatments for allergic rhinitis?

Answer 9

H1 receptor antagonists (antihistamines)

Mast cell stabilisers

Intranasal corticosteroids

Local vasoconstrictors

Question 10

L15 Allergies

Differentiate between 1st and 2nd generation antihistamines.

Answer 10

1st Generation: Cross blood-brain barrier, cause sedation (e.g., chlorphenamine).

2nd Generation: More selective, less sedation (e.g., loratadine).

Q: What is the preferred generation for allergic rhinitis treatment?
A: 2nd generation due to reduced side effects and dosing frequency.

Question 11

L15 Allergies

What are the roles of mast cell stabilisers in eye drops?

Answer 11

Prevent histamine release, used for itchy and runny eyes.

Question 12

L15 Allergies

List examples of intranasal corticosteroids.

Answer 12

Beclometasone, budesonide, fluticasone, mometasone.

Question 13

L15 AAllergies

When should allergic rhinitis patients be referred?

Answer 13

Symptoms persist despite treatment

Sleep disruption

Nasal obstruction that doesn’t clear

Red flags (e.g., orbital cellulitis, recurrent nosebleeds)