Untitled Deck

Question 1

What is anaphylaxis?

Answer 1

Anaphylaxis is a severe, systemic allergic reaction that occurs rapidly, often within minutes to 2 hours after exposure to an allergen.

Question 2

What is the definition of allergy?

Answer 2

Allergy, also known as hypersensitivity, is an exaggerated immune response that leads to functional damage or tissue injury.

Question 3

What are the four types of hypersensitivity?

Answer 3

The four types of hypersensitivity are:
1. Type I: Atopy (e.g., asthma, allergic rhinitis)
2. Type II: Antibody-mediated (e.g., autoimmune diseases)
3. Type III: Immune complex-mediated (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
4. Type IV: Cell-mediated (e.g., Type 1 diabetes).

Question 4

What is atopy?

Answer 4

Atopy refers to hypersensitivity type I, which is IgE mediated and includes conditions like asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Question 5

What triggers Type I hypersensitivity?

Answer 5

Type I hypersensitivity is triggered by exposure to soluble antigens that stimulate IgE production.

Question 6

What is the role of Th2 cells in Type I hypersensitivity?

Answer 6

Th2 cells release IL-4 and IL-5, which stimulate B cells to produce IgE and activate eosinophils.

Question 7

What is the primary mediator in Type I hypersensitivity?

Answer 7

The primary mediator in Type I hypersensitivity is histamine, which causes rapid local effects.

Question 8

What are common allergens?

Answer 8

Common allergens include dust mites, eggs, pet dander, bee venom, shellfish, and certain medications.

Question 9

What is the difference between anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock?

Answer 9

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction, while anaphylactic shock involves compromised tissue perfusion and is life-threatening.

Question 10

What factors increase the risk of anaphylaxis?

Answer 10

Risk factors for anaphylaxis include being an adult female and having other atopic conditions.

Question 11

What is the typical clinical presentation of anaphylaxis?

Answer 11

Clinical presentation includes urticaria, angioedema, gastrointestinal symptoms, respiratory distress, and cardiovascular collapse.

Question 12

What is the significance of IgE in allergic reactions?

Answer 12

IgE is produced in response to allergens and binds to mast cells and basophils, leading to degranulation and release of mediators.

Question 13

What is the ‘march of atopy’?

Answer 13

The ‘march of atopy’ refers to the progression of allergic conditions, typically starting with atopic dermatitis, followed by allergic rhinitis, and potentially leading to asthma.

Question 14

What is the role of breastfeeding in allergy prevention?

Answer 14

Breastfeeding is believed to provide protection against the development of allergies.

Question 15

What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis?

Answer 15

Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, tachycardia, bradycardia, respiratory arrest, decreased vascular resistance, mucus stimulation, and pruritus.

Question 16

What happens when histamine is released massively?

Answer 16

It can lead to vascular collapse, potentially resulting in shock and respiratory arrest.

Question 17

What is the difference between anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock?

Answer 17

Anaphylactic shock involves tissue perfusion impairment and a greater risk to life.

Question 18

What are the types of anaphylaxis?

Answer 18

1. Allergic anaphylaxis (IgE mediated or not)
2. Non-IgE mediated (immune)
3. Non-allergic (non-immune)

Question 19

What are common IgE mediated allergens?

Answer 19

Common allergens include foods (milk, egg, peanut, shrimp), medications, insect stings, menstrual products, and latex.

Question 20

What is the time frame for treating anaphylaxis?

Answer 20

Treatment should occur within 10 minutes to prevent irreversible life-threatening conditions.

Question 21

What is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis?

Answer 21

The first-line treatment is adrenaline.

Question 22

What are the diagnostic criteria for anaphylaxis?

Answer 22

1. Sudden onset of skin (urticaria) and/or mucosal (angioedema) involvement
2. Respiratory compromise or terminal dysfunction
3. Involvement of 2 of 4 systems (circulatory, respiratory, cutaneous, intestinal)
4. Hypotension (systolic BP below 30% of baseline) for anaphylactic shock.

Question 23

What are the diagnostic methods for anaphylaxis?

Answer 23

Diagnosis is primarily clinical, with serum tryptase (up to 6 hours after symptoms), specific IgE testing, ice cube test for cold anaphylaxis, and oral provocation test for clinical history doubts.

Question 24

What is the treatment for vascular collapse in anaphylaxis?

Answer 24

Adrenaline (intramuscular) is used as a vasoconstrictor, which can be reapplied every 5/10/15 minutes.

Question 25

What should be monitored after administering adrenaline?

Answer 25

The allergen is metabolized in the liver, and there may be a relapse after 2 hours, requiring observation for 8 to 12 hours.

Question 26

What are the second-line options for treating anaphylaxis?

Answer 26

Second-line options include antihistamines (preferably non-sedating) and corticosteroids.

Question 27

What should be used for patients on beta-blockers or with adrenaline resistance?

Answer 27

Glucagon should be used.

Question 28

What is the main cause of acute urticaria?

Answer 28

The main cause is respiratory infection, which improves with infection treatment.

Question 29

What factors can contribute to fatal anaphylaxis?

Answer 29

Facilitators include asthma, delayed treatment, and the type of allergen.