Scribd Logo
Upload

Welcome to Scribd!

  • 31 views

    Pathophysiology of Allergy

    Uploaded by

    Honey Pauline Pacolor
    The document discusses the pathophysiology and management of allergies and hypersensitivity reactions. It describes how the immune system produces IgE antibodies when initially exposed to an allergen, which then bind to basophils and mast cells, causing an inappropriate immune response. Common allergy symptoms are described. The management of allergies focuses on allergen avoidance, medications to reduce symptoms, and immunotherapy to desensitize patients. Emergency epinephrine is recommended for severe allergic reactions.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Pathophysiology of Allergy

    Uploaded by

    Honey Pauline Pacolor
    31 views2 pages
    The document discusses the pathophysiology and management of allergies and hypersensitivity reactions. It describes how the immune system produces IgE antibodies when initially exposed to an allergen, which then bind to basophils and mast cells, causing an inappropriate immune response. Common allergy symptoms are described. The management of allergies focuses on allergen avoidance, medications to reduce symptoms, and immunotherapy to desensitize patients. Emergency epinephrine is recommended for severe allergic reactions.

    Copyright

    © © All Rights Reserved

    Available Formats

    DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Did you find this document useful?

    Is this content inappropriate?

    The document discusses the pathophysiology and management of allergies and hypersensitivity reactions. It describes how the immune system produces IgE antibodies when initially exposed to an allergen, which then bind to basophils and mast cells, causing an inappropriate immune response. Common allergy symptoms are described. The management of allergies focuses on allergen avoidance, medications to reduce symptoms, and immunotherapy to desensitize patients. Emergency epinephrine is recommended for severe allergic reactions.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    31 views2 pages

    Pathophysiology of Allergy

    Uploaded by

    Honey Pauline Pacolor
    The document discusses the pathophysiology and management of allergies and hypersensitivity reactions. It describes how the immune system produces IgE antibodies when initially exposed to an allergen, which then bind to basophils and mast cells, causing an inappropriate immune response. Common allergy symptoms are described. The management of allergies focuses on allergen avoidance, medications to reduce symptoms, and immunotherapy to desensitize patients. Emergency epinephrine is recommended for severe allergic reactions.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    of 2

    Pathophysiology of Allergy/Hypersensitivity

    In many allergic reactions, the immune system, when first exposed to an allergen, produces a type of
    antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). IgE binds to a type of white blood cell called basophils in the
    bloodstream and to a similar type of cell called mast cells in the tissues.

    Allergic reactions (hypersensitivity reactions) are inappropriate responses of the immune system to a
    normally harmless substance.

     Usually, allergies make people sneeze; the eyes water and itch, the nose runs, the skin itches,
    and rashes develop.
     Some allergic reactions, called anaphylactic reactions, are life threatening.
     Symptoms suggest the diagnosis, and skin tests can help identify the substance that triggers the
    allergy.
     Avoiding the trigger is best, but if it is impossible, allergy shots, when given long before the
    exposure occurs, can sometimes desensitize the person.
     People who have had severe allergic reactions should always carry a self-injecting syringe of
    epinephrine and antihistamine pills.
     Severe reactions require emergency treatment in the hospital.

    Management of Allergy
    Strategies to manage reactions have included patient desensitization, alteration of infusion rates, skin
    testing, and the use of premedication. Baseline comprehensive assessments, including allergy history,
    are important in reducing or preventing hypersensitivity reactions.

    Allergy treatments include:

     Allergen avoidance. The doctor will help take steps to identify and avoid allergy triggers. This is
    generally the most important step in preventing allergic reactions and reducing symptoms.
     Medications. Depending on allergy, medications can help reduce immune system reaction and
    ease symptoms. The doctor might suggest over-the-counter or prescription medication in the
    form of pills or liquid, nasal sprays, or eyedrops.
     Immunotherapy. For severe allergies or allergies not completely relieved by other treatment,
    doctor might recommend allergen immunotherapy. This treatment involves a series of injections
    of purified allergen extracts, usually given over a period of a few years.
     Another form of immunotherapy is a tablet that's placed under the tongue (sublingual) until it
    dissolves. Sublingual drugs are used to treat some pollen allergies.
     Emergency epinephrine. If you have a severe allergy, you might need to carry an emergency
    epinephrine shot at all times. Given for severe allergic reactions, an epinephrine shot (Auvi-Q,
    EpiPen, others) can reduce symptoms until you get emergency treatment.

    Management of Allergy

    The first and most important step in the management of Allergy is allergen avoidance. Preventing
    exposure to allergens is the key to managing allergies. A health professional can advise on avoiding
    allergens specific to your situation.

    Drugs are effective in the control and treatment of allergic diseases but do not cure the underlying
    allergy. Mostly a combination of two approaches will result in significant improvement in allergic
    symptoms.

    1. Reducing the risk of an allergic reaction by avoiding the allergen, wherever possible.
    2. Medical treatments to reduce symptoms including medications and immunotherapy.

    Most allergic reactions are mild and do not cause life-threatening reactions, although they can be very
    troublesome for the patient. A small number of people may experience a severe allergic reaction called
    anaphylaxis.

    When you cannot avoid allergens, there are many medicines that can help control allergy symptoms.
    Decongestants and antihistamines are the most common allergy medications. They help to reduce a
    stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing and itching. Other medications work by preventing the release of the
    chemicals that cause allergic reactions. Corticosteroids are effective in treating inflammation in your
    nose. These treatments control the symptoms and reactions; they do not cure the condition.

    You might also like