TOPIC:
INTRODUCTION OF ALLERGY,
TYPES OF ALLERGENS,
SYMPTOMS, DIAGNOSIS &
TREATMENT OF ALLERGY
SUBMITTED BY:
MUDAM NOOR
SECOND PROF: PHARM.D
DEPRATMENT OF PHARMACOGNOSY
FACULTY OF PHARMACY
UNIVERSITY OF SINDH
ALLERGY
“The term allergy is used to describe a response, within the body, to a
substance, which is not necessarily harmful in itself, but results in an
immune response and a reaction that causes symptoms and disease in a
predisposed person, which in turn can cause inconvenience, or a great
deal of misery.”
Word allergy was coined in 19th century from the Greek word “allon argon”
and means “to react differently”. Allergic people respond differently to
certain substances in that they develop hypersensitivity reactions to various
foods, drugs, inhaled particles, leading to symptoms and illness.
What is an Allergen?
An allergen is a protein or chemical that is capable of causing
sensitization & subsequent allergic sensitivity on re-exposure. Allergens
are substances that, in some people the immune system recognizes as
“foreign” or ‘dangerous” but cause no response for most people.
Types Of Allergens:
Allergens can be classified on the basis of types symptoms, which depend on
shock organ affected by the particular allergens & its of entry into the body.
Inhalant allergens
Injectant allergens
Contactant allergens
Ingestant allergens
Infectant allergens
Infestant allergens
INHALANT ALLERGENS
Inhalant allergens are those that are inhaled through the nose, throat, &
into the bronchial tubes & lungs.
These are the airborne particles which may cause asthma or allergy
symptoms to appear. When you breath in something you are allergic to, a
reaction is likely to occur.
These usually present with problems in the airways- rhinitis, itchy palate or
throat or asthma with cough, wheeze & shortness of breath.
Symptoms
Pollen interfers with the normal function of many vital organs,
including the:
Bronchioles
Larynx
Throat
Trachea
When pollens irritate the nose, hayfever symptoms such as
congestion, sneezing & nasal discharge occur. The throat reacts
to pollen by becoming itchy & scratchy & the larynx becomes
hoarse & voice loss can occur.
Fatigue
Mental dullness
Watering eyes
Timing Of Symptoms
Symptoms worse in:
Hay fever
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an allergy which results in irritation or
inflammation of the delicate linings of the nose or eyes. Most hay fever
is seasonal and symptoms tend to occurwhen pollen or other airborne
particles are at high level.
The most common forms of hay fever are reactions to:
Pollens
Grasses
Pet Dander
Dust Particles
Mold Spores
Treating Of Allergy
If you have a pollen allergy, its curcial to aoid prolonged periods
of time outdoors when the pollen level is high.
Regularly dust at home, vacuum, change air filters, & keep good
hygiene.
INJECTANT ALLERGENS
Substance to which a person is allergic, which are injected into
the body. Usually drugs & insect venom, these are th substances
that penetrate the skin.
CONTACTANT ALLERGENS
An allergen capable of inducing delayed contact type
hypersensitivity of the epidermis after one or more episodes of
contact.
Direct contact with the skin of the animal can result in allergic
symptoms from contactans. Cosmetic, soaps, oils, detergents,
latex products, formaldehyde & various plan oils such as those
from poison ivy, oak can be contactant allergies.
Carpets, rugs plastics, vinyl, toys, shampoo, bath accessories &
towels can also cause contactant allergies.
Intrinsic factors are pollens, dust, dust mites, animal fur, animal
dander or feathers.
Symptoms Of Allergy
The sign & symptoms of allergic rhinitis are:
Diagnosis Of Allergy:
There are three skin tests used to evaluate and diagnose allergies,
Prick method
Intradermal test
Patch test
Prick method:
It is the most common type of skin test. This test test is done by
placing a drop of allergen extract on the skin on the back and
passing a needle through the puncture within about 15 minutes.
This test measures specific IgE attached to cells in the skin important in
allergies called "mast" cells.Skin prick testing is usually the first test
recommended when an allergy is suspected.
It is usually carried out on the inner forearm, but if the patient has bad
eczema the test can be performed on the back .
Ideally the allergens to be selected should be in accordance with the
patient's history
As few as 3 or 4 or up to about 25 allergens can be tested
The arm is coded with a marker pen for the allergens to be tested
A drop of the allergen (extract) solution is placed by each code.
Intradermal test:
Intradermal allergy testing is another method of skin testing to help
determine whether an individual is allergic to a specific allergen. The test
involves injection of a small amount of the suspected allergen under the
surface of the skin. After about 20 minutes the area is examined for a
reaction at the site. A typical reaction looks like a small hive with swelling
and redness.
The intradermal test is more sensitive than the skin prick test and
can usually provide more consistent results.
The intradermal test uses a syringe to inject the allergen extract into the top
layer of skin in the arm, which rises a small bublle on the skin surface. Like
the prick method, a hive will appear indicating an allergic reaction.
First, your health care provider examines the skin either on your forearm or back
and cleans it with alcohol.
Then a small amount of the allergen is injected just under the skin.
Lastly, you must wait about 15 minutes to see how your skin reacts.
Patch test:
It can be used to look for the substances that might be causing
contactdermatitis. A suspected allergen is placed on the skin and
covered with a bandage for 48hours.If the patient is allergic, the
skin will be red and peel.
his reaction means you are allergic to that substance. Patch tests take
You must return to your physician to determine whether your skin has reacted to
the allergens.
Treatment Of Allergy:
There are three general approaches to the treatment of allergic diseases such as
allergic rhinitis,
Avoidance
Mediacation to relieve symptoms
Allergy shots
Avoidance
Medication
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GLOSSARY
Allergy:
Allergen:
Allergic reaction:
Pollen:
Animal dander:
Scales of dried skin shed from cats, dogs, and other furry animals.
Similar to dandruff.
Sensitization:
Corticosteroid:
Decongestants:
Dust mites:
They don't bite or spread any germs, but their droppings and
carcasses contain a powerful allergen to which a lot of people are
allergic.
Ingestant allergens:
Inhalant allergens:
Injectant allergens:
Substances to which a person is allergic, which are injected into the
body. Usually drugs and insect venom.
OTC (over-the-counter):
Symptom:
THE END