Paediatric Infection and Immunity - Allergies, Conjunctivitis, Impetigo and Chickenpox Flashcards
What is an allergy?
Immunological hypersensitivity leading to a variety of disease
May or may not be IgE mediated
What is an allergen?
Substance that stimulates the production of IgE or cellular immune response
What is sensitisation?
Production of IgE antibodies after repeated allergen exposure
Asymptomatic
What is required for something to be an allergy?
Symptoms + specific IgE rise
Give examples of atopic disease
Allergic rhinitis Allergic conjunctivitis Asthma Atopic dermatitis (Eczema) Urticaria Insect, food and drug allergy
How does urticaria present and when is it not allergic?
Maculo-papular pruritic rash
If chronic >6weeks, not allergic
What are the hypotheses for increasing allergies?
Hygiene hypothesis
Dual allergen hypothesis
Vitamin D hypothesis
What is the hygiene hypothesis?
Microbiological exposure low in developed environment so immune system development is suppressed
What is the dual allergen hypothesis?
Exposure through skin may lead to allergy
However, consumption will lead to tolerance
What is the vitamin D hypothesis?
Need high levels of Vit D to regulate the immune system
What can you do to reduce risk of allergy onset?
Good skin hygiene
Microbial exposure - pets
Vitamin D
Early weaning - varied diet
What are the types of allergic rhinitis?
Seasonal - hayfever
Persistent - dust mites, pets
Occupational - flour, wood dust
What is the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis?
IgE mediated inflammation of the nasal mucosa
Mast cells release histamines - increase epithelial permeability
Inflammatory cell migration
Acute and late phase response
What happens in the acute phase response?
Sneezing followed by secretions
What happens in the late phase response?
6-12 hours after –> nasal congestion
What symptoms does allergic rhinitis present with?
Bilateral nasal congestion Itching Sneezing Discharge Watery, red eyes
How is allergic rhinitis assessed?
Diagnosis from history
Can do skin prick or IgE testing via ELISA
How is allergic rhinitis managed?
Avoid allergen
Cetirizine
>5yo - try topical nasal antihistamines PRN
Nasal steroids if nasal blockage predominant symptom
How can food allergies be split up?
Immunological - IgE mediated and Non-IgE mediated
Non-immunological
What symptoms would all immunological food allergies present with?
Pruritis
Diarrhoea
Abdo pain
What symptoms of food allergy would be indicative it is IgE mediated?
Urticaria Angio-oedema Oral itching Sneezing SOB and wheeze Signs of anaphylaxis
What symptoms of a food allergy would indicate it is a non IgE mediated immunological allergy?
Eczema
GORD and colic
Bowel changes
Poor growth