ASSIGNMENT 2 IMMUNOLOGY & SEROLOGY SBD0102

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1 WHAT IS ALLERGY ?

2 WHAT CAUSE ALLERGY?

3 WHO IS AT RISK & WHY?

4 TYPES OF ALLERGY

5 SYMPTOMS AND SIGN

6 DIAGNOSE OF ALLERGY

7 TREATMENT OF ALLERGY

8 MEDICATION OIF ALLERGY

WHAT IS ALLERGY?

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ASSIGNMENT 2 IMMUNOLOGY & SEROLOGY SBD0102

Allergy or hypersensitivity (type 1 allergy) is an abnormal reaction to protein substances

that occur naturally. If an allergic person is exposed to these substances called allergens,
the body's immune system gets ready to fight them. White blood cells (B-lymphocytes)
produce an antidote (antibody) against the allergen. The antibody sticks to the surface of
the allergy cells. Now the body is ready to fight back the next time it is exposed to the
allergen. This process is called sensitisation. After this change, there is an allergic
reaction every time the body is exposed to the allergen. The allergen sticks to the
antibodies on the surface of the allergy cells. This coupling causes the granula (little
stores in the allergy cells) to release histamine, which causes the symptoms of allergy.
Depending on the size of the exposure to the allergen and where on the body it happens,
there will be an allergic reaction in the form of hay fever, asthma or nettle rash.The
histamine dilates the blood vessels, causes the mucous membranes (lining tissues of the
nose and airways) to swell due to the liquid leaking and stimulates the glands in the nose
and the respiratory passages to produce mucus (phlegm). Substances that make the
musculature of the respiratory passages contract are released along with the histamine. It
becomes difficult to breathe and an asthma attack may follow.An allergy is very different
to an intolerance or sensitivity; there are on the whole no scientific replicable tests for
food sensitivities, although it is now possible to test for gluten intolerance (as opposed to
gluten allergy or celiac disease) with an NHS blood test available through GP's.

WHAT CAUSE ALLERGY?

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Allergic reactions are caused by substances in the environment known as allergens.

Almost anything can be an allergen for someone. Allergens contain protein, which is
often regarded as a constituent of the food we we eat. In fact it is an organic compound,
containing hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen, which form an important part of living
organisms.

The most common allergens are pollen from trees and grasses, house dust mite,
moulds, pets such as cats and dogs, insects like wasps and bees, industrial and household
chemicals, medicines, and foods such as milk and eggs. Less common allergens include
nuts, fruit and latex.There are some non-protein allergens which include drugs such as
penicillin. For these to cause an allergic response they need to be bound to a protein once
they are in the body.An allergic person's immune system believes allergens to be
damaging and so produces a special type of antibody (IgE) to attack the invading
material. This leads other blood cells to release further chemicals (including histamine)
which together cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction.The most common symptoms
are sneezing , runny nose, itchy eyes and ears, severe wheezing, coughing, shortness of
breath, sinus problems, a sore palate and nettle-like rash.It should be understood that all
the symptoms mentioned can be caused by factors other than allergy. Indeed some of the
conditions are diseases in themselves.When asthma, eczema, headaches, lethargy, loss of
concentration and sensitivity to everyday foods such as cheese, fish and fruit are taken
into account the full scale of allergy can be appreciated.

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ASSIGNMENT 2 IMMUNOLOGY & SEROLOGY SBD0102

WHO IS AT RISK & WHY?

Allergies can develop at any age, possibly even in the womb. They commonly occur in
children but may give rise to symptoms for the first time in adulthood. Asthma may
persist in adults while nasal allergies tend to decline in old age. Why do allergic persons
produce more IgE than those who are non-allergic? The major distinguishing factor
appears to be heredity. For some time, it has been known that allergic conditions tend to
cluster in families. Our risk of developing allergies is related to parents' allergy history.
If neither parent is allergic, the chance that we will have allergies is about 15%. If one
parent is allergic, our risk increases to 30% and if both are allergic, our risk is greater
than 60%. Although we may inherit the tendency to develop allergies, we may never
actually have symptoms. wealso do not necessarily inherit the same allergies or the same
diseases as our parents. It is unclear what determines which substances will trigger a
reaction in an allergic person. Additionally, which diseases might develop or how severe
the symptoms might be is unknown.\ Another major piece of the allergy puzzle is the
environment. It is clear that we must have a genetic tendency and be exposed to an
allergen in order to develop an allergy. Additionally, the more intense and repetitive the
exposure to an allergen and the earlier in life it occurs, the more likely it is that an allergy
will develop. There are other important influences that may conspire to cause allergic
conditions. Some of these include smoking, pollution, infection, and hormones.

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ASSIGNMENT 2 IMMUNOLOGY & SEROLOGY SBD0102

TYPES OF ALLERGY

Allergic rhinitis is a general term used to apply to anyone who has allergy-based
symptoms. Allergic rhinitis can be a seasonal problem (commonly known as "hay fever"
or pollen allergy) or a year-round problem (commonly known as perennial allergic
rhinitis). Hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis is caused by allergy to pollens of trees,
grasses, weeds or mold spores. Perennial allergic rhinitis is caused by house dust, animal
danders, mold and some foods.

Asthma is caused by intrinsic and extrinsic (inhaled) factors. Intrinsic factors are pollens,
dust, dust mites, animal fur, animal dander or feathers. Extrinsic factors are respiratory
infections; a cough, cold or bronchitis; exercise and tobacco smoke or other air
pollutants, and can be caused by an allergy to a particular food or medication.

Eczema, also known as allergic dermatitis or atopic dermatitis, can be caused by foods or
other allergens.

Contact dermatitis is caused by exposure to certain plants (such as poison ivy or poison
oak), cosmetics, medications, metals and chemicals.

Urticaria, also known as "hives", is caused by allergy to foods, such as nuts, tomatoes,
shellfish and berries. Hives can also be caused by medications, such as aspirin and
penicillin.

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WHAT IS THE SIGN & SYPTOMS ?

The signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis are:

• sneezing, often accompanied by a runny or clogged nose

• coughing and postnasal drip
• itching eyes, nose and throat
• allergic shiners (dark circles under the eyes caused by increased blood flow near
the sinuses)
• the "allergic salute" (in a child, persistent upward rubbing of the nose that causes
a crease mark on the nose)
• watery eyes
• conjunctivitis (an inflammation of the membrane that lines the eyelids, causing
red-rimmed, swollen eyes and crusting of the eyelids)

The signs and symptoms of asthma are:

• a feeling of tightness in the chest

• breathlessness
• coughing
• difficulty inhaling and exhaling
• noisy breathing ("wheezing")

The signs and symptoms of eczema, contact dermatitis and urticaria are:

• red, itchy skin

• inflamed skin
• welts (in hives)

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ASSIGNMENT 2 IMMUNOLOGY & SEROLOGY SBD0102

DIAGNOSE OF ALLERGY
Besides a thorough medical history, the doctor will perform a number of skin tests and/or
a blood test called radioallergosorbent test (RAST).

There are three skin tests used to evaluate and diagnose allergies, the prick method, the
intradermal test and the patch test:

• The prick method is the most common type of skin test. This test is done by
placing a drop of allergen extract on the skin on the back and passing a needle
through the extract and making a tiny puncture in the skin. If allergic to the
allergen a hive will appear at the site of the puncture within about 15 minutes. The
doctor can perform multiple prick tests with varying allergen extracts
simultaneously.
• The intradermal test uses a syringe to inject the allergen extract into the top layer
of skin in the upper arm, which raises a small bubble on the skin surface. Like the
prick method, a hive will appear indicating an allergic reaction.
• The patch test can be used to look for substances that might be causing contact
dermatitis. A suspected allergen is placed on the skin and covered with a bandage
for 48 hours. If the patient is allergic, the skin will become red and peel.

When skin testing is not feasible, as in the case of people with eczema and other skin
conditions, RAST (blood test) is used. Diagnostic tests can be done by using a blood
sample from a patient to detect the levels of IgE antibody to a particular allergen.

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HOW TO AVOID?
 Wear a pollen mask when mowing the grass or housecleaning.
 Stay indoors in the morning (when the pollen count is at its highest) and on windy
days.
 Read and understand food labels (for people with food allergies).
 Keep windows and doors closed during heavy pollination seasons.
 Use the air conditioner in the house and car.
 Rid the home of indoor plants and other sources of mildew.
 Don't allow dander-producing animals in the house.
 Change feather pillows, woolen blankets and clothing to cotton or synthetic materials.
 Enclose mattress, box springs and pillows in plastic barrier cloth.
 Wash sheets, mattress pad and blankets weekly in hot water (at least 130F).
 Remove carpets and upholstered furniture (drastic measure).
 Use acaricide (a chemical that kills house-dust mites) or a tannic acid solution
(solution that neutralizes the allergen in mite droppings).
 Use air filters.
 Use a dehumidifier.

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MEDICATION FOR ALLERGY

When avoidance or control of an allergen isn't possible, medications may be necessary.

Common allergy medications are:

• Decongestants: administered via spray or orally to unclog nasal passages.

Examples of spray decongestants are oxymetazoline (Afrin) and phenylephrine
(Vicks Sinex).

Oral decongestants include pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and combinations of

decongestants and analgesics.

• Steroid nasal sprays: administered via spray to mute the inflammatory response.
Medications include fluticonase (Flonase), mometasone (Nasonex), triamcinolone
(Nasocort), and beclomethasone (Beconase, Vancenase).
• Antihistamines: drugs that block the action of histamine, which is responsible for
allergic symptoms. Short-acting antihistamines, which are generally over-the-
counter (non-prescription), often relieve mild to moderate symptoms, but can
cause drowsiness Longer-acting antihistamines cause less drowsiness, can be
equally effective, and usually do not interfere with learning. These medications,
which require a prescription, include fexofenadine (Allegra), and cetirizine
(Zyrtec)

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• Cromoglycate (Nalcrom)or related agents: administered mostly as eyedrops

nasal sprays to help prevent attacks.

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