PRIMEASIA UNIVERSITY

Assignment on
Define, Etiology, Classification and Management Of Allergy

Course Code: PHN-313

Course Title: Clinical Nutrition

Submitted To: Submitted By:

Tasrin Jahan Name: Al Imran
Lecturer ID:191044034
Dept. of Public Health Nutrition
Primeasia University

Submission Date: 30/06/2021

 Definition Of Allergy :

A misguided reaction to foreign substances by the immune system, the body system of defense
against foreign invaders, particularly pathogens (the agents of infection). The allergic reaction is
misguided in that these foreign substances are usually harmless. The substances that
trigger allergy are called allergen. Examples include pollens, dust mite, molds, danders, and
certain foods. People prone to allergies are said to be allergic or atopic.

Although allergies can develop at any age, the risk of developing allergies is genetic. It is related
to ones family history of allergy. If neither parent is allergic, the chance for allergies is about 15%.
If one parent is allergic, the risk increases to 30% and if both are allergic, the risk is greater than
60%.

Allergens cause the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE), an antibody that all of us have in small
amounts. Allergic persons, however, produce IgE in abnormally quantities. Normally, this
antibody is important in protecting us from parasites, but not from other allergens. During the
sensitization period in allergy, IgE is overproduced. It coats certain potentially explosive cells that
contain chemicals including histamine. These chemicals, in turn, cause inflammation and the
typical allergic symptoms. This is how the immune system becomes misguided and primed to
cause an allergic reaction when stimulated by an allergen.

The most common allergic conditions include hay fever (allergic rhinitis), asthma, allergic eyes
(allergic conjunctivitis), allergic eczema, hives (urticaria), and allergic shock (also
called anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock). For a thumbnail sketch of each of these conditions:

Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is the most common of the allergic diseases.

Ethology Of Allergy :
An allergy starts when your immune system mistakes a normally harmless substance for a
dangerous invader. The immune system then produces antibodies that remain on the alert for
that particular allergen. When you're exposed to the allergen again, these antibodies can release
a number of immune system chemicals, such as histamine, that cause allergy symptoms.

Common allergy triggers include:

• Airborne allergens, such as pollen, animal dander, dust mites and mold

• Certain foods, particularly peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, eggs and
milk

• Insect stings, such as from a bee or wasp

• Medications, particularly penicillin or penicillin-based antibiotics

 • Latex or other substances you touch, which can cause allergic skin reactions

Risk factors

• Have a family history of asthma or allergies, such as hay fever, hives or eczema

• Are a child

• Have asthma or another allergic condition

Classification of Allergies:

Types of allergy are classified to denote cause, severity and possible management and
prevention. These include –

• Type I hypersensitivity

This is also known as immediate or anaphylactic-type reactions. This may be caused due to pollen,
foods and drugs and insect stings.

• Type II hypersensitivity

This involves specific antibodies called the Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM. There is binding to
and destroying the cell the antibody is bound on.

This type of reaction is seen after an organ transplant when the body refuses to see the
transplanted organ as its own.

• Type III hypersensitivity

This is an Immune complex-mediated reaction. The immune complex is the bound form of an
antibody and an antigen.
This leads to a cascade of reactions in the body which goes on to destroy local tissues. Examples
of this condition include glomerulonephritis and systemic lupus erythematous (lupus, SLE).

• Type IV hypersensitivity

Delayed or cell-mediated reactions are mediated by special immune cells called the T-cell
lymphocytes.

The T cells take from a few hours to a few days to mount an allergic response. Examples include
contact dermatitises such as poison ivy rashes.

Common allergies

Allergies commonly signify Type I hypersensitivity. This includes allergic rhinitis characterized by
runny nose, and eyes and sneezing.

Two major categories are seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) and perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR).
While SAR is associated with exposure to pollen at certain seasons PAR occurs almost all around
the year.

Allergic rhinitis affects an estimated 20-40 million people in the United States.

Other varieties of type 1 reaction are food and drug allergy and allergies due to insect venom.

Insects that may lead to allergies include bees, wasps, yellow jackets, ants, hornets etc.

Allergic asthma is also a type 1 allergic reaction. This occurs when the allergen is inhaled.

Common allergens include pollen, animal dander, fungal spores or moulds, dust mites etc. There
is severe wheezing, shortness of breath, cough and thick mucus secretions.

Management Of Allergy :

Symptoms

An allergic reaction causes inflammation and irritation. However, the specific symptoms will
depend on the type of allergen. For example, allergic reactions may occur in the gut, skin, sinuses,
airways, eyes, or nasal passages.
Below are some triggers and the symptoms they may cause in people with an allergy.

Dust and pollen

• a blocked or congested nose

• itchy eyes and nose

• a runny nose

• swollen and watery eyes

• a cough

Food

• vomiting

• a swollen tongue

• tingling in the mouth

• swelling of the lips, face, and throat

• stomach cramps

• shortness of breath

• rectal bleeding, mainly in children

• itchiness in the mouth

• Diarrhoea

Insect stings

• wheezing

• significant swelling at the site of the sting

• a sudden drop in blood pressure

• itchy skin
 • shortness of breath

• restlessness

• hives, or a red and very itchy rash that spreads across the body

• dizziness

• a cough

• chest tightness

Medication

• wheezing

• swelling of the tongue, lips, and face

• a rash

• itchiness

If symptoms become severe, anaphylaxis can develop.

Anaphylaxis symptoms

Anaphylaxis is the severest form of allergic reaction. It is a medical emergency and can be life
threatening. Anaphylaxis can develop quickly, with symptoms appearing within minutes or hours
of exposure to the allergen.

Research suggests that anaphylaxis most commonly affects the skin and respiratory system.

Some symptoms include:

• hives, flushing, and itchiness

• difficulty breathing
 • wheezing

• swelling

• low blood pressure

• changes in heart rate

• dizziness and fainting

• loss of consciousness

Recognizing these symptoms can be crucial to receiving timely treatment.

Diagnosis

If a person believes that they may have an allergy, their doctor will be able to help them identify
what is causing the reaction.

The person should be ready to explain:

• any symptoms they have noticed

• when and how often they occur

• what seems to cause them

• any family history of allergies

• whether or not other household members have a similar reaction

The doctor may recommend some tests or refer the person to a specialist.

Tests

Below are some examples of allergy tests:

 • Blood tests: These measure the levels of IgE antibodies to specific allergens in the immune
system.

• Skin prick tests: A doctor will prick the skin with a small amount of a possible allergen. If
the skin reacts and becomes itchy, red, or swollen, the person may have an allergy.

• Patch tests: To check for contact eczema, a doctor may tape a metal disc with a small
amount of a suspected allergen to the person’s back. They will check for a skin reaction
48 hours later, and then again after 2 days.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology can help a person find a certified
allergist.

Treatment

The best way to manage an allergy is to avoid the allergen, but this is not always possible. In these
cases, medical treatment can help.

Medications

Drugs will not cure an allergy, but they can help a person manage the symptoms of a reaction.

Many treatments are available over the counter. Before using a medication, however, a person
should speak to a pharmacist or doctor.

Options include:

• Antihistamines: These block the action of histamine, which the immune system releases
during a reaction.

• Decongestants: These can help relieve a blocked nose.

• Corticosteroids: These are available in the form of a pill, cream, nasal spray, or inhaler.
They help reduce inflammation.
 • Immunotherapy: This can help a person develop long-term tolerance. A person will take
gradually increasing doses of the allergen, either as a tablet or an injection.

• Leukotriene receptor antagonists (antileukotrienes): These may help with some allergies
if other treatments have not worked. The drugs block some of the chemicals that cause
swelling.

Treatment for anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a potentially life threatening medical emergency that may require hospitalization.

If a person has difficulty breathing following exposure to an allergen, they will need immediate
treatment. This will usually be in the form of an auto-injector.

Using an auto-injector

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source recommend that people at risk of
anaphylaxis carry two epinephrine auto-injectors with them at all times. If one dose is not
effective, the person will need the second.

Use an auto-injector to deliver a measured dose of epinephrine (adrenaline) within minutes of

any severe symptoms appearing. Someone should also call the emergency services.

EpiPen is a common auto-injector. When using an EpiPen, the FDA advise people to:

1. Hold the injector in one fist, with the orange end pointing downward.

2. Remove the blue safety release with the other hand, without bending, twisting, or making
any sideways movements.

3. Swing and push the orange end firmly against the outer thigh, at a right angle to the leg.
There will be a click as the needle exits from the orange end.

4. Hold the needle in place for at least 3 seconds.

 5. After activation, the orange end will cover the needle, and the window will be blocked. If
the needle tip is still visible, do not reuse it.

Do not use the thumb to flip off the blue safety release. Always use two hands to prepare the
injector.

Incorrectly removing the safety device can cause the injector to release its contents too early. As
a result, there may be no medication in the device when a person needs it.

The EpiPen is just one type of injector; there are many different versions. All injectors have the
same effect, but the ways of using them may differ.

The links below contain instructions on how to use the different types:

• Adrenaclick

• Auvi-Q

• SYMJEPI

Prevention and precautions

There is no way to prevent or cure an allergy, but it is possible to prevent a reaction or manage
the symptoms if a reaction occurs.

Those at risk of an allergic reaction should:

• Take measures to avoid exposure to known allergens.

• Carry two auto-injectors and know how to use them correctly.

• Inform friends, relatives, colleagues, and others about the allergy and how to use the
auto-injector.
 • Consider wearing a medical identification bracelet with details of the allergy.

• Seek allergy testing to know which substances to avoid.

Reference

• https://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Allergies/Pages/Symptoms.aspx
• www.bbc.co.uk/.../aboutallergies_what.shtml
• https://7song.com/files/Allergic%20Reactions.pdf
• https://www.nchh.org/Portals/0/Contents/Allergy_Factsheet.pdf
• https://www.dictionary.com/browse/allergy