Define hypersensitivity
Damage to a patient caused by the immune system
Define allergy
A type 1 hypersensitivity reaction in response to foreign antigens
What is involved in a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction?
IgE Mast Cells
What is involved in a type 2 hypersensitivity reaction?
Autoantibodies
What is involved in a type 3 hypersensitivity reaction?
Immune mediated complexes
What is involved in a type 4 hypersensitivity reaction?
T cells
What is involved in a type 5 hypersensitivity reaction?
Upregulation (eg Graves)
What is anaphylaxis, and briefly, what happens within anaphylaxis? What is released?
A type 1 hypersensitivity reaction
Signs and Symptoms of anaphylaxis?
Syncope Bronchospasm (wheeze) Urticaria (red, itchy rash) Angioedema (swelling with fluid in subcut tissue) Abdo pain Vomiting Diarrhoea
What test is used to diagnose anaphylaxis?
Tryptase
Differentials for anaphylaxis?
PE MI Hyperventilation Hypoglycaemia Vasovagal
Describe the short term treatment of anaphylaxis
What is the long term treatment of anaphylaxis?
Define anaphylactoid reaction?
The direct or indirect activation of mast cells without IgE
What are some causes of anaphylactoid reactions
a) drugs
b) food
c) physical stimuli
a) Vancomycin, opiates, NSAIDS
b) Strawberries
c) exercise, cold, truama
Are anaphylactoid reactions tryptase positive
Yes
Define scromboid
Massive ingestion of histamine from decayed mackrel and other oily fish.
Are scromboid reactions tryptase positive?
No, as mast cells not involved
What is urticaria?
Raised, itchy, erythermous rash
Inflammation within the dermis
Name allergic causes of urticaria?
Usually acute or chronic?
Usually acute
Describe the autoimmune causes of urticaria
Autoantibodies to Fc- Epsilon receptors on mast cells/ basophils SLE Vasculitis Injected serum/ blood products Type 3 hypersensitivity (usually)
What infections can cause urticaria
Hep B
H. Pylori
Lymes Disease
What deficiencies can cause urticaria
B12
Folate
Name a mast cell disorder that cause cause urticaria
Urticaria pigmentosa