Allergy and anyphylaxis

Group 5
 Group members
1 salma maxamed xamud
2 samira ali warsame
3 fadxiya abdilahi abdi
3 sumaya yasin hassan
4 yacqub abdilahi jamac
6yaxye sakariye h muse
 Allergy
An allergy is an exaggerated immune response by
the body to substances (allergens) that are typically
harmless to most people. Allergies occur when the
immune system mistakenly identifies these
substances as threats and mounts a defensive
response, leading to various symptoms.

Common Allergens
1. Environmental Allergens: Pollen, mold spores,
dust mites, pet dander.
2. Food Allergens: Nuts, shellfish, milk, eggs, soy,
wheat.
3. Insect Venom: Bee stings, wasp stings.
4. Medications: Penicillin, aspirin.
5. Other: Latex, certain chemicals or perfumes.
Mechanism of Allergy

1. Sensitization Phase:
Initial exposure to an allergen triggers the
immune system.
B cells produce allergen-specific IgE antibodies.
These IgE antibodies bind to mast cells and
basophils.

2. Reaction Phase:
Upon subsequent exposure, the allergen binds
to IgE on mast cells and basophils.
This leads to the release of histamine and other
inflammatory mediators, causing symptoms.
 TYPES OF HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS
Type I (Immediate Hypersensitivity)
Mechanism:
Involves IgE antibodies produced after initial allergen
exposure. These antibodies bind to mast cells and
basophils.
On re-exposure to the allergen, it binds to IgE, causing
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degranulation of mast cells and the release of
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histamine and other mediators.
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dolor. Aenean massa. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer
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Examples: Allergic rhinitis, asthma, anaphylaxis.
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Effects:
Local (e.g., bronchospasm in asthma) or systemic (e.g.,
anaphylaxis with severe hypotension).
Increased vascular permeability and smooth muscle
Type II (Antibody-Dependent Cytotoxic Reactions)

Mechanism:
Mediated by IgG or IgM antibodies that target antigens on
the surface of cells or extracellular matrix.
Leads to:
Complement Activation: Leads to cell lysis.
Phagocytosis: Antibody-coated cells are removed.
Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity (ADCC): NK cells
kill the target cell.
Examples: Hemolytic anemia, Goodpasture syndrome.

Effects:
Tissue destruction caused by complement activation or
direct cytotoxicity.
Type III (Immune Complex-Mediated Reactions)

Mechanism:
Immune complexes (antigen-antibody complexes, mostly
IgG or IgM) are deposited in tissues like blood vessels or
kidneys.
These complexes trigger complement activation (C3a,
C5a), recruiting neutrophils, which release damaging
enzymes.

Examples: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), post-

streptococcal glomerulonephritis.

Effects:
Inflammation, tissue damage (e.g., vasculitis).
Type IV (Delayed or Cell-Mediated
Hypersensitivity)

Mechanism:
T-cell-mediated response. Sensitized T cells
recognize antigens presented by antigen-
presenting cells (APCs).
Cytokines are released, leading to macrophage
activation and inflammation.

Examples: Tuberculin reaction, contact

dermatitis.

Effects:
Peaks at 48-72 hours post-exposure.
Granuloma formation in chronic cases (e.g.,
Symptoms

Mild: Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, hives,

localized swelling.
Severe: Anaphylaxis (life-threatening),
characterized by difficulty breathing, rapid
heartbeat, and low blood pressure.

Diagnosis
Skin Prick Test: Identifies specific allergen
sensitivities.
Blood Tests: Measure IgE levels (e.g., RAST or
ImmunoCAP tests).
Challenge Testing: Controlled exposure to
suspected allergens.
Common Allergens

1. Environmental: Pollen, dust mites,

mold, pet dander.

2. Food: Nuts, shellfish, milk, eggs.

3. Medications: Penicillin, aspirin.

4. Insects: Bee or wasp stings.

5. Others: Latex, certain chemicals.
Management and Treatment

1. Avoidance: Prevent exposure to known allergens.

2. Medications:

Antihistamines: Reduce symptoms.

Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation.

Decongestants: Relieve nasal symptoms.

Epinephrine: Emergency treatment for anaphylaxis.

3. Immunotherapy: Allergy shots or sublingual tablets to

desensitize the immune system
 ANAPHYLAXIS

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening

systemic allergic reaction that occurs
rapidly after exposure to an allergen. It is
characterized by widespread activation
of mast cells and basophils, leading to
the release of inflammatory mediators
like histamine, causing significant
cardiovascular, respiratory, and
gastrointestinal symptoms.
 stages of
anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, systemic allergic reaction that
progresses rapidly and can be life-threatening. It involves
multiple stages as it develops and affects various organ
systems. Here’s an overview of the stages:
1. Early Stage (Mild Symptoms)
Timeframe: Seconds to minutes after allergen exposure.

Mechanism: Allergen exposure triggers the cross-linking of

IgE antibodies on mast cells and basophils, leading to the
release of mediators like histamine, leukotrienes, and
prostaglandins.

Symptoms:
Skin: Itching (pruritus), flushing, hives (urticaria), swelling
(angioedema).
Respiratory: Mild shortness of breath, nasal congestion,
2. Progression Stage (Moderate Symptoms)

Timeframe: Minutes after the early stage.

Mechanism: Histamine and other mediators cause

widespread vasodilation, increased vascular permeability,
and activation of other immune cells.
Symptoms:

Skin: Widespread redness and swelling.

Respiratory: Increased difficulty breathing, throat
swelling, hoarseness, or stridor (a high-pitched sound
during breathing).
Cardiovascular: Weakness, dizziness due to a drop in
blood pressure.
Gastrointestinal: Vomiting, diarrhea, cramping.
Neurological: Anxiety or a sense of impending doom.
3. Severe Stage (Life-Threatening)

Timeframe: Minutes to an hour after allergen

exposure if untreated.

Mechanism: Mediator release leads to systemic

effects, including profound vasodilation, airway
obstruction, and reduced cardiac output.

Symptoms:
Respiratory: Severe airway swelling,
bronchospasm, cyanosis (bluish skin), or
respiratory arrest.
Cardiovascular: Hypotension (shock),
tachycardia, arrhythmias, or cardiac arrest.
Neurological: Confusion, loss of consciousness, or
seizures.
4. Biphasic Reaction (Delayed Phase)

Timeframe: Hours (usually 6–12 hours

after initial symptoms).

Mechanism: A secondary immune

response occurs without additional allergen
exposure.

Symptoms:

Similar to initial symptoms but less severe.

Can require additional treatment.

How Does Anaphylaxis Happen?
1. Sensitization:
During the first exposure to an allergen (e.g., peanuts, bee
venom, medications), the immune system mistakenly
identifies it as harmful.
The body produces specific IgE antibodies, which bind to
mast cells and basophils. This process "sensitizes" the
person to the allergen.

2. Re-Exposure:
Upon subsequent exposure to the same allergen, it binds to
the IgE on mast cells and basophils, triggering
degranulation.
These cells release inflammatory chemicals such as:
 Histamine
 Leukotrienes
 Prostaglandins
3. Systemic Effects:
Symptoms of Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis develops rapidly, often within minutes, and can

affect multiple systems:

1. Skin and Mucous Membranes:

Hives (urticaria)
Swelling (angioedema), especially of the lips, eyes, or throat
Flushing or redness

2. Respiratory System:
Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
Wheezing or asthma-like symptoms
Throat tightness or swelling
Hoarseness or stridor
3. Cardiovascular System:
Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Rapid or weak pulse
Shock (anaphylactic shock)

4. Gastrointestinal System:
Nausea, vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain or cramping

5. Neurological Symptoms:
Dizziness or fainting
Anxiety
Feeling of impending doom
Common Triggers of Anaphylaxis

1. Foods:
Peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, eggs, milk, soy, and
wheat.

2. Medications:
Antibiotics (e.g., penicillin), NSAIDs, and
anesthetics.

3. Insect Stings:
Bee, wasp, hornet, or ant stings.

4. Other Triggers:
Latex
Exercise (in rare cases)
Idiopathic (unknown causes)
Why is Anaphylaxis Dangerous?

Rapid Progression: Symptoms can

worsen within minutes.

Airway Obstruction: Swelling of the

throat can block the airway, causing
asphyxiation.

Circulatory Collapse: Hypotension can

lead to shock, organ failure, and death if
untreated.
Management and Treatment

1. Immediate Treatment with Epinephrine:

Epinephrine (Adrenaline) is the first-line
treatment. It rapidly reverses symptoms by:
Relaxing airway muscles.

Constricting blood vessels to improve blood

pressure.
Reducing mast cell mediator release.

Dosage:
Adults: 0.3–0.5 mg intramuscularly (IM) in the
thigh.

Children: 0.01 mg/kg (max 0.3 mg).

2. Supportive Measures:

Oxygen for respiratory distress.

Intravenous fluids to treat hypotension

or shock.

Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine)

to alleviate skin symptoms.

Corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone) to

prevent late-phase reactions.
3. Observation:

Patients should be monitored for 4–6 hours

due to the risk of biphasic anaphylaxis (a
recurrence of symptoms without re-
exposure).

4. Long-Term Management:
Allergy Testing: Identify specific triggers.
Epinephrine Auto-Injector: Patients should
carry this at all times.

Avoidance Strategies: Avoid known

allergens and educate others about potential
risks.
Complications of Anaphylaxis

Airway Obstruction: Due to swelling of the

tongue or throat.

Biphasic Reaction: Recurrence of

symptoms 1–72 hours after initial treatment.

Prolonged Shock: Can lead to organ failure

or death if not treated.
Thank you

BY GROUP 5