Hypersensitivity

• Hypersensitivity is an over exaggeration of the immune system to relatively harmless substances.
• Allergy is an inappropriate, often harmful response of the immune system.
• A reaction to an allergen is initiated by immunologic mechanisms and is usually mediated by IgE antibodies.
• IgE antibodies can be developed over time and cause self-reactivity, where the body attacks its own cells.
• An allergic reaction is the same as an immune response.
• The body encounters an allergen, and its defenses recognize it as foreign, leading to events in an attempt to render the invaders harmless, destroy them, and remove them from the body.
• IgE antibodies bind to an allergen and trigger mast cells or basophils, which then release chemical mediators like histamine, serotonin, kinins, SRS-A, and neutrophil factor.
• B and T cells have pretty much the same role in an allergic response as in an immune response.
• Chemical Mediators are preformed and found in mast cells or basophils.
• Mediated disorder is a type of immune complex disorder.
• Free-floating antigen and antibody combine to form circulating immune complex.
• Systemic symptoms of immune complex disorders include autoimmune vasculitis, glomerulonephritis, and serum sickness.
• Hypersensitivity is a common cause of circulating immune complex disorders.
• Diagnosis of circulating immune complex disorders involves different diagnostic tests such as prick and intradermal skin testing.
• Medical management of circulating immune complex disorders involves managing respiratory problems, oxygen, intubation, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation as needed.
• Epinephrine is administered in a 1:1000 subcutaneous formulation for the treatment of circulating immune complex disorders.
• Antihistamines and corticosteroids are commonly used in the management of circulating immune complex disorders.
• IV fluids, volume expanders, and vasopressor agents are used to maintain or raise blood pressure in the management of circulating immune complex disorders.
• An auto injection system such as EpiPen is recommended for the management of circulating immune complex disorders.
• Proper technique for the administration of epinephrine includes stabbing and holding for ten seconds, then massaging.
• Latex allergy can develop over time.
• Type I and Type IV reactions are different types of allergic reactions.
• Anaphylactic or delayed contact dermatitis are types of allergic reactions.
• Those with a latex allergy are more prone to cross reactivity with pollen and some fruits: kiwi, banana, mango, pineapple, passion fruit, avocado, chestnuts.
• Estrogens stimulate immune response and androgens suppress it.
• Environmental factors that can trigger photosensitivity include UV light, foods, infections agents, toxic chemicals, stress, and drugs.
• Drugs that can exacerbate lupus include adrenaline and cortisone.
• Immunizations can trigger lupus in individuals who are predisposed to the disease.
• The Great Imitator is a term used to describe lupus as clients often misdiagnosed as it affects many body systems.
• Diagnosis of lupus is done through a process of exclusion.
• Lupus can affect the skin, musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system, lungs, kidneys, central nervous system, red blood cells, and platelets.
• Systemic symptoms of lupus include fever, malaise, fatigue, weight loss, anorexia, joint pain, and a butterfly rash which is specific to lupus patients.
• Diagnosis of lupus requires a complete history and physical exam, including family history, autoimmune disorders, and other factors.
• Blood tests for lupus include a complete blood count (CBC) and platelets, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), urine, antinuclear antibody (ANA).
• The criteria for diagnosis of lupus include having at least 4 out of the 11 criteria: clinical or lab biopsy, malar/butterfly rash, discoid rash, photosensitivity, oral ulcers, arthritis, serositis, renal disorder, neurologic disorder, antinuclear antibody, immunologic disorder, hematologic disorder.
• The goals of medical management for lupus are to prevent progressive loss of organ function, minimize disease-related disabilities, and prevent complications from therapy.
• Patients should be taught to report any fever as they have decreased immunity as a result from their disease and potential immunosuppressive meds they are taking.
• Histamine is a substance in the body that causes increased gastric secretion, dilation of capillaries, and constriction of the bronchial smooth muscle, and is the first chemical mediator released in immune and inflammatory responses.
• Prostaglandins are unsaturated fatty acids that have a wide assortment of biologic activity and require synthesis by cells.
• Eosinophil chemotactic factor of anaphylaxis is more present in allergic reactions.