What is an Allergic Reaction?
Unwanted immune response - allergic or hypersensitivity reactions
Type I Hypersensitivity Reactions
Local: - Atopic diseases - Urticaria eg. hives - Food allergies - Bee stings - Drug allergies Systemic: - Systemic anaphylaxis
Type I Allergens
A substance capable of inducing specific, acquired alteration in the capability of a human to react and of evoking the characteristic response of that new reactivity
Common Allergens
- Proteins
- Mould spores
- Plant pollens
- Drugs
- Foods
- Insect products
- Animal hair and dander
- Latex
House Dust Mites
- Feed on skin flakes
- Allergy to faeces and exoskeleton
Dust Mite Elimination
- Hepa-filter for vacuum and air filters
- Air bedding in sunlight
- Clean house and wash linen regularly
Atopic Disorders
- Inherited predisposition for higher levels of IgE antibodies
- IgE antibodies normally mediate hypersensitivity
- Atopic individuals therefore develope hypersensitivity to allergens that non atopic indiviuals do not
Anaphylaxis
Severe allergic reaction that requires immediate emergency treatment
Anaphylaxis Tx
- Call ambulance
- EpiPen
Prevention: - Carry EpiPen
- Avoid triggers
- Wear medical alert bracelet
- Inform associates
Moderate Allergy Tx
1st line: Oral antihistamines 2nd line: Topical - Corticosteroids - Relieve itch - Tx failure --> Refer to GP
Allergic Rhinitis
- Hayfever or perennial
- Linked to Asthma
Hayfever
Mucosal reaction in response to allergen exposure- usually grass or plant pollen. Allergan lodges in the mucosal lining of the nasal cavity and activates an allergic response
Hayfever Symptoms
- Nasal itch
- Sneezing
- Watery rhinorrhea
- Nasal congestion
- Patient may suffer from watery, irritated eyes
Allergic Conjunctivitis Tx
- Oral antihistamines
- Saline wash or Optrex Eye Wash
Severe: - Antihistamine eye drops (Livostin)
- Combination Vasoconstrictor/Antihistamine eye drops (also reduces redness eg. Albalon A)
Allergic Rhinitis Tx
Systemic: - Antihistamines - Oral decongestants Topical: - Intranasal corticosteroids - Antihistmine eye drops - Nasal decongestant sprays - Saline nasal sprays/drops
Sinusitis
Inflammation of one or more of the paranasal sinuses
Sinusitis Symptoms
2 or more of:
- Nasal congestion
- Nasal discharge
- Postnasal drip
- Facial pain or pressure
- Reduction or loss of smell
Sinusitis Tx
- Refer to GP (2 courses of antibiotics)
- FESS regularly
- Intranasal corticosteroids
- Nasal decongestants
- Simple analgesics
- Inhalations
