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5

Type I Hypersensitivity Reactions

Zoë Soon

Chapter Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  • List and locate the anatomical structures associated with the immune system.
  • Describe the components and functions of both the:  innate (nonspecific) immune responses and the adaptive (specific) immune responses.
  • Define immunity.
  • Compare and contrast the roles of various types of leukocytes in innate and adaptive body defenses.
  • Explain how the innate (nonspecific) and adaptive (specific) immune responses cooperate to increase the robustness of the immune system and jointly contribute to the overall resistance to disease.
  • Describe typical risk factors for the development of allergies.
  • Define: allergen, edema, “wheal and flare”, hives, bronchoconstriction, pruritus, urticaria, hypoxia, hay fever, atopic dermatitis, eczema, and Type I Hypersensitivity Reaction.
  • Differentiate between allergic rhinitis, food allergies, skin rashes, immediate allergic responses, late allergic responses, asthma, and anaphylactic shock
  • Briefly describe the roles of the following:  mast cells, basophils, eosinophils, B lymphocytes (B cells), IgE antibodies, and inflammatory and vasoactive cytokines (e.g. histamine, leukotrienes, bradykinin and prostaglandins).
  • Identify structural and histological changes in the lungs, skin, blood vessels, and digestive tract as well as typical signs and symptoms.
  • Explain why severe allergies can lead to anaphylactic shock.
  • Briefly describe how interprofessional collaboration of health care professions work towards diagnosis
  • Explain current treatment strategies.

Allergies can affect many different parts of the body, most notably the respiratory tract, the skin, the digestive tract, and the heart.   Allergies can be subclassified by the various allergens that are responsible, which can give rise to their own set of signs, symptoms, diagnostic findings, and treatment strategies.

This chapter is subdivided into:

  • Pre-test
  • Normal immune system function
  • Type I Hypersensitivity Reactions
  • Pathophysiology of allergies that involve:
    • the skin
    • the respiratory tract
    • the digestive system
    • blood pressure and the heart
    • anaphylactic shock
  • Interview with health care professionals diagnosing/treating those with allergies and its complications
    • Allergy specialist
    • Dermatologist
    • Respirologist
  • Case study of a patient experiencing allergies and their patient journey and interactions with health care professionals
  • Post-test

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