Showing posts with label Food allergy. Show all posts

Protein Allergens.. Simple exposure to common aerosols and sensitized foods. Exposure to cats and dogs

Protein Allergens:

Protein allergens can trigger various allergic reactions through two primary routes: inhalation and ingestion. Understanding the relationship between exposure to common aerosols, sensitized foods, and animals like cats and dogs can help identify potential triggers and manage allergies effectively.

1. Inhalation and Common Aerosols:

- Respiratory allergies:

Protein allergens from dust mites, pollen, mold, and animal dander are common triggers for allergic rhinitis and asthma. They enter the respiratory system through inhalation and activate the immune system in sensitized individuals, leading to symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and wheezing.

- Occupational exposure:

Certain professions have specific airborne protein allergens associated with increased risk of allergies, like bakers (flour dust), farmers (hay), woodworkers (wood dust).

2. Ingestion and Sensitized Foods:

- Food allergies:

Certain food proteins in eggs, milk, peanuts, nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish can trigger immediate hypersensitivity reactions in sensitized individuals upon ingestion. Symptoms can range from mild skin rash and nausea to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

- Food intolerances:

While not true allergies, food intolerances (e.g., lactose intolerance) involve reactions to non-protein components in food that can cause digestive symptoms like bloating and diarrhea.

3. Exposure to Cats and Dogs:

- Pet allergies:

While not due to protein ingestion, pet allergies primarily involve inhaling allergens present in dander (skin flakes), saliva, and urine of cats and dogs. Symptoms can include similar respiratory responses observed in other inhalant allergies.

- Hypoallergenic breeds:

Some breeds are specially bred with lower dander production to minimize allergen exposure.

General Points to Remember:

- Individual sensitivity varies:

Not everyone exposed to these protein allergens will develop allergies. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors play a role.

- Diagnosis and management:

Consult a healthcare professional for allergy testing and personalized management plans, including avoidance strategies, medication, and immunotherapy options.

- Open communication:

If you suspect allergies, inform healthcare providers, colleagues, and family members about potential triggers and necessary precautions.

By understanding the diverse modes of exposure to protein allergens and their potential triggers, individuals with allergies can make informed choices, manage their symptoms effectively, and live a healthy life.

Clinical History of Allergies: Time Onset and Suspicious Foods

A thorough clinical history plays a crucial role in diagnosing and managing allergies. Gathering information about time of symptom onset and potential trigger foods is essential for this process. Here's what you need to know:

Time of Symptom Onset:

- Immediate Reactions:

Symptoms that occur within minutes to a few hours after exposure to an allergen are indicative of an immediate hypersensitivity reaction, like food allergies. Identifying the timeframe helps narrow down the potential culprits.

- Delayed Reactions:

Some allergies, like contact dermatitis or certain food sensitivities, can have symptoms manifest hours or even days later. Recording the time between exposure and reaction is crucial for diagnosis.

- Chronic Symptoms:

For conditions like allergic rhinitis or eczema, documenting periods of worsening symptoms and potential triggers can be helpful.

List of Suspicious Foods:

- Keep a food diary:

Encourage the patient to record all foods and beverages consumed with the time of intake and any observed symptoms within the suspected timeframe.

- Identify common food allergens:

Focus on the eight major food allergens responsible for most food allergies – milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish.

- Consider other dietary components:

Don't neglect less common triggers like fruits, vegetables, spices, or additives.

- Review cooking methods:

Certain cooking methods can alter the allergenicity of some foods.

Additional Information:

- Exposure to environmental triggers:

Investigate potential inhalant allergens like pollen, dust mites, or mold during relevant seasons or activities.

- Medication history:

Certain medications can potentially mimic or exacerbate allergy symptoms.

- Family history:

Ask about allergies in the family, as there can be a genetic predisposition.

Benefits of Detailed History:

- Targeted allergy testing:

Based on the timeline and potential triggers, specific allergy tests can be chosen for confirmation.

- Effective avoidance strategies:

Identifying the culprit allergens allows for tailored dietary or environmental modifications to minimize exposure and prevent future reactions.

- Targeted treatment options:

Understanding the type of allergy helps guide appropriate medication choices for symptom management.

Remember, a detailed clinical history is a collaborative effort between the patient and healthcare professional. Encourage open communication and provide clear instructions for symptom tracking and food diary keeping. This valuable information forms the foundation for accurate diagnosis and effective allergy management.

Definition of physical examination for allergy:

A physical examination for allergies refers to a medical assessment performed by a healthcare professional to evaluate a person's physical signs and symptoms related to allergic reactions. It involves a systematic examination of the body, focusing on specific areas or systems that may be affected by allergies.

Steps for a physical examination for allergies:

During a physical examination for allergies, the healthcare provider may:

1. Conduct a comprehensive medical history:

This includes asking questions about the individual's symptoms, their frequency and duration, potential triggers, and any relevant medical conditions or family history of allergies.

2. Inspect the skin:

The healthcare provider may examine the skin for any visible signs of allergic reactions, such as hives (raised, itchy welts), rash, eczema, or swelling.

3. Evaluate the respiratory system:

The provider may listen to the lungs with a stethoscope to check for abnormal sounds that could indicate asthma or other respiratory conditions associated with allergies. They may also assess nasal passages for congestion, runny nose, or sinus symptoms.

4. Examine the eyes:

Allergies can often manifest as redness, itching, or watering of the eyes. The healthcare provider may use specialized instruments to examine the eyes for signs of inflammation or allergic conjunctivitis.

5. Check the ears:

In some cases, allergies can cause ear-related symptoms, such as itching, swelling, or fluid accumulation. The healthcare provider may examine the ears visually or use an otoscope for a closer look.

6. Assess the lymph nodes:

Enlarged or tender lymph nodes may indicate an immune response triggered by allergies. The provider may gently feel the lymph nodes located in the neck, armpits, and groin areas.

7. Perform other relevant examinations:

Depending on the individual's specific symptoms and suspected allergens, additional examinations may be conducted. For example, if food allergies are suspected, the provider may examine the gastrointestinal system or ask questions about digestion and related symptoms.

It is important to note that a physical examination for allergies is often complemented by other diagnostic tests, such as allergy skin tests, blood tests (e.g., IgE levels), or specific challenge tests, to confirm the presence of allergies, identify the specific triggers, and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Physical Examination for Allergies:

A comprehensive physical examination for allergies typically involves a combination of the following:

1. Medical History:

This includes gathering information about the patient's symptoms, including frequency, severity, triggers, and any medications currently being taken.
Family history of allergies or other chronic conditions is also important.

2. Skin Examination:

Close inspection of the skin for any signs of allergic reactions, such as hives, eczema, or swelling.
Dermoscopy might be used for closer examination of skin lesions.

3. Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Examination:

Checking for nasal congestion, discharge, or polyps.
Examining the ears for signs of otitis media or eczema.
Looking for swelling or redness in the throat.

4. Respiratory Examination:

Listening for wheezing, crackles, or other abnormal lung sounds using a stethoscope.
Performing spirometry to measure lung function (applicable for specific cases).

5. General Physical Examination:

Checking vital signs like temperature, pulse, and blood pressure.
Assessing overall health and looking for any other signs that might be related to allergies.

It's important to note that a physical examination alone cannot diagnose allergies. Additional tests, such as skin prick tests or blood tests, are often needed to confirm the specific allergens causing the reaction.

Evaluation of Muscle and Fat Stock:

This aspect of the examination assesses the patient's body composition and distribution of muscle and fat. It can be done through various methods, including:

- Visual Inspection:

The doctor can visually assess the patient's muscle tone and fat distribution.

- Body Circumference Measurements:

Measuring the circumference of various body parts like waist, hips, and thighs can provide information about fat distribution.

- Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA):

This method sends a low-level electrical current through the body to measure the amount of water, muscle, and fat.

- Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA):

This scan provides detailed information about the body's composition, including bone mineral density, muscle mass, and fat mass.

The specific method used to evaluate muscle and fat stock will depend on the patient's individual needs and the doctor's discretion.

Measurement of Height, Weight, and BMI:

These are basic anthropometric measurements that are important for assessing overall health and nutritional status.

Height: Measured using a stadiometer.
Weight: Measured using a calibrated scale.
Body Mass Index (BMI): Calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters. BMI is used to categorize weight status as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.

Comparing these measurements with growth charts for children or age-adjusted reference ranges for adults can help identify any potential concerns.

Remember, a comprehensive physical examination combined with relevant tests is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of allergies and other health conditions.

Food And Symptom Diary of allergies:

A food and symptom diary is a vital tool for identifying potential food allergies or intolerances. Here's a comprehensive guide to creating one:

Structure:

- Date and time:

Note the date and exact time of each meal or snack.

Food eaten: Describe the food(s) you consumed as thoroughly as possible. Include brands, specific ingredients, cooking methods, and additives (e.g., spices, sauces).

- Quantity:

Estimate the amount of food eaten (e.g., half a sandwich, two apples, small bowl of cereal).

- Symptoms:

Record any symptoms you experience within the next 24 hours, including the time they started, severity, and type (e.g., abdominal pain, skin rash, nausea, headache). Be specific and note the intensity of each symptom.

- Additional notes:

Include any other factors that might influence your symptoms, such as medications taken, stress levels, sleep quality, or exercise.

Tips for accuracy:

- Maintain consistency:

Track your food and symptoms every day, even if you don't suspect a reaction. Consistent data provides a clearer picture of potential patterns.

- Be specific:

The more detailed your entries, the easier it will be to identify triggers. Write down specific ingredients, brands, and quantities.

- Don't judge:

Avoid assigning blame to any food before confirming a connection. Focus on objectively recording your experience.

- Seek professional help:

While a diary can be a valuable tool, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of potential allergies or intolerances.

Additional strategies:

- Elimination diet:

If you suspect a specific food, consider an elimination diet where you temporarily remove it from your diet and gradually reintroduce it while monitoring symptoms.

- Food challenge:

Under professional supervision, you can undergo controlled food challenges to confirm specific allergies.

Remember, food and symptom diaries are personalized tools. Adapt the structure and information recorded to fit your needs and consult a healthcare professional for interpretation and guidance.

What are allergens?

Allergens are substances that trigger an abnormal immune response in some individuals, leading to allergies. These reactions can range from mild discomfort like sneezing and a runny nose to life-threatening conditions like anaphylaxis.

Here's a closer look at allergens:

Types of allergens:

- Inhalants:

These are airborne allergens we breathe in, such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander.

- Food allergens:

These are components of certain foods that trigger an immune response, like peanuts, shellfish, milk, eggs, and soy.

- Insect stings:

The venom of bees, wasps, and other insects can be allergenic for some people.

- Medications:

Certain medications, including antibiotics, can act as allergens.

- Latex:

Contact with latex, commonly found in gloves and balloons, can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

How allergens trigger an immune response:

- Exposure:

When an individual encounters an allergen for the first time, their immune system recognizes it as foreign and tries to neutralize it.

- Sensitization:

During this initial exposure, the immune system produces specific antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE) against the allergen. This process is called sensitization.

- Re-exposure:

Upon subsequent exposure to the same allergen, these IgE antibodies trigger the release of various inflammatory chemicals, leading to allergy symptoms.

Symptoms of allergies:

Depending on the type of allergen and the individual's sensitivity, symptoms can vary widely. Common symptoms include:

Respiratory: Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing
Skin: Itching, hives, eczema, swelling
Digestive: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps
Others: Watery eyes, headache, fatigue, anaphylaxis (in severe cases)

Managing allergies:

There's no single cure for allergies, but several strategies can help manage symptoms and prevent reactions:

Avoidance: Identifying and avoiding known triggers is the most effective approach.
Medication: Antihistamines, corticosteroids, and other medications can help alleviate symptoms.
Immunotherapy: This process involves gradually exposing individuals to small amounts of the allergen to desensitize the immune system.

Remember:

If you suspect you have an allergy, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. They can help identify the specific allergens you're sensitive to, develop a personalized management plan, and prescribe medication if needed.

Treatment of hypersensitivity due to a particular type of food.. Return of food allergens gradually

In the case of hypersensitivity due to a particular type of food, it:

A - This type of food should be avoided for life.

B- The patient should be given Adrenaline Auto-injector and trained for emergency use.

C - The patient should consult the clinic on a regular basis.

D- The patient should also be given a bracelet that shows the patient's condition when the fainting is caused by hypersensitivity, which enables the paramedics to quickly identify him and give him an adrenaline quickly.

E- Support groups can also be used for patients suffering from the same problem (hypersensitivity), which can be collected in one place, facilitating the transmission of experiences and the vaccination of ideas among them.

In patients with side effects but not serious, it is recommended to return food allergens after two years of gradual cessation.

Medications for the treatment of food allergies.. Antihypertensive drugs relieve allergic symptoms such as rash, itching or use of adrenaline injectors

The role of the role of drugs in food allergies is secondary and is often used to relieve allergic symptoms such as antihistamines, which relieve allergic symptoms such as rash, itching or use of adrenaline injector, which is used to teach the patient how to use it when hypersensitivity occurs. Medicines do not sing at all to avoid foods that cause the disease.

Side effects to avoid food allergies.. Malnutrition, psychological deprivation and isolation from society as a result of avoiding certain types of food

Avoid allergenic food is useful for the patient of allergies but has side effects on the patient such as:
A - malnutrition and psychological deprivation.
(B) excessive material costs resulting from disbursement of alternative foods considered to be expensive;
C - anxiety and tension in the patient and his family.
(D) Excessive protection of the patient's psyche in children.
E) Isolation from society as a result of avoiding certain types of food because the patient does not want to know about his problem.
F) Anger, depression and frustration when symptoms (food allergy) occur, although allergenic foods are completely avoided, as this results from the fact that the allergenic food is hidden inside the food and is not known to the patient.

Avoid milk in neonates with food allergies.. The need to continue the mother's milk and not cut in only a few cases where the provision of food aid is calcium

When avoiding milk in newborns there are important points to be alerted to:
A - The most important food for infants is the mother's milk because of its excellent nutritional value and it establishes the psychological relationship between the child and his mother.
B - Most mothers rely on powdered Cows Milk, which is sold on the market, after dissolving in warm water and giving it to the child in the heart, knowing that most of these types of milk are animal species.
C - and cow's milk (industrial cow's milk) is one of the most important causes (food allergies) in children.
D. When the child is sensitive to cow's milk, the mother should be alerted to avoid this type of milk and given balanced, non-nutritious alternatives such as soy milk or some special artificial milk that does not cause children's allergies. (But be aware that soy milk does not rise to the nutritional value of breast milk or cow's milk and you must first make sure that the child does not have an allergy to soy milk before starting).
E) In all cases, the mother's milk should be continued and not cut off in only a few cases where a food aid, calcium rather than breast milk, is given.

Avoid food in children with food allergies.. Ensure full sensitivity of the baby to that food

Avoid food in children with food allergies should:
A) It can only be performed under the direct guidance of a specialist in allergies and nutritionists.
B - after the full confirmation of the sensitivity of the child to that food.
C - After extensive discussion and dialogue with the mother with their participation in the decision after giving them all alternatives to that food.
E - all because we are afraid of malnutrition in children that may be exposed to the child, God forbid, if the process of avoiding food in a deliberate manner.

Intensive health awareness to treat food allergies.. Accurate care and continuous follow-up by a nutritionist

One of the most important factors in the treatment is (Intensive Education):
A - We need intensive health awareness in the sensitivity of food significantly because when we identify a particular type of food as a cause of allergies we must educate the patient how to avoid this irritant and what alternatives exist and how to use them.
B - Alternative food should provide the nutritional balance of the patient because malnutrition will be the end.
C - All this needs careful care and continuous follow-up by a nutritionist.
D - This may seem easy but in fact it is difficult and needs a great effort of the medical team to be aware of what the patient will submit
E. It is difficult to explain to the patient all the sources of food containing this food, for example, imagine if we want to educate the patient to avoid milk, how many foods containing milk is too many.
We also educate the patient on how to read the contents of any food purchased from the market (commercial foods) by monitoring the contents and identifying alternative names for that food that the patient can read on the outside of the food tray.
o Alternative Alternatives: Alternatives to the same type of food that causes allergies should be avoided.
o Example: Alternative names for eggs
Albumin, mayonnaise, ovalbumin, ovomucin, ovomucoid. A shiny glaze on baked goods also may indicate the presence of eggs.
o This is difficult to apply to foods that do not have an explanatory explanation from the outside that explains its contents, such as restaurants, fast food and sweets. Therefore, patients with food allergies are advised to eat their meals inside the house for easy knowledge of their contents or to buy canned food if they know How to use the alternative names method.
o Taking into account the patient's conviction of these alternatives without affecting the physical and psychological aspect of him.

Diagnosis of food allergies by examining (excluding suspect food).. Refraining from eating a certain type of food

Examination of food exclusion After studying the food diary, it is clear that there is a certain type of food suspected in relation to food allergies.
o When this suspected food is excluded and the patient's condition improves, this means that the food that is excluded is the cause of the allergic reaction
o The patient is advised to avoid this type of food.
However, if the patient does not improve after excluding the suspected food, the food should be returned after two weeks of exclusion
o Abstaining and discontinuing a particular type of food should be under direct medical supervision and under the supervision of a dietitian especially food of important health interest (such as milk for children).

Diagnosis of food allergies by examining the challenge of food.. Removal of suspected food

Food Challenge:
o The patient is exposed to a specific type of food and the side effects are observed immediately after exposure.
o This test is based on the previous examination (removal of suspicious food) and when the patient improves after avoiding this food, this test can be used as a kind of confirmation of the relationship of that food with sensitivity.
o These tests should be treated with extreme caution, as they can only be operated by a complete medical apparatus specialized in this field and in a place that has all the medical potential when hypersensitivity occurs.

Avoid irritating food to treat food allergies.. Avoid certain food once the guesswork is incorrect

- It is important to note that avoiding a particular type of food affects the patient's life and restricts his movement so the patient should not avoid any food unless there is clear medical evidence of the patient's sensitivity to that food because it was noted that many advise patients to avoid food once Guess this is not true.
- Even if it is certain that a particular food irritates allergies, the number of foods avoided by a patient should not increase from one or two foods and should not be advised to avoid a large number of foods because this leads to malnutrition.
- The avoidance of a particular type of food should be done in consultation between the doctor and the patient according to the way of life and nutrition, which increases his convictions when choosing alternative food and the chances of successful treatment with him.
- Although the cornerstone of treatment is to avoid food allergens that this avoidance is difficult and not easy.

Diagnosis of food allergies by laboratory examination of blood for the presence of antibodies for allergies and examination of prick test

Screening of blood for the presence of antibodies for allergies and examination of skin prick test:
- Laboratory examination of the presence of antibodies in the blood: The main examination (for food allergies).
- The blood test of the presence of allergies can be used for any type of food easily.
- However, when the diagnosis is difficult to diagnose, a test may be used to examine the skin prick.
- Testing the skin test by tingling is more accurate than the laboratory blood test because of antibodies.

Diagnosis of food allergy through clinical history and clinical information taken from the patient

Clinical history and clinical information taken from the patient during detection:
o The cornerstone of diagnosis (food sensitivity).
o Diagnosis of food allergies is easier than diagnosing food intolerance because food allergies occur after several minutes of eating food, making it easier to diagnose them when asked by the patient.
o Health workers must know that information from patients may be inaccurate and sometimes incorrect.
o Food allergies often occur as a result of one or two types of food.
But in rare cases in children, it may occur as a result of a larger number of foods. This is due to a hidden source of food that the doctor needs to look for.
o Food dyes (food coloring) and food additives are rare (food allergies).
o The questions to be answered are as follows:
Q 1: What are the symptoms that appeared on the patient?
Q2: What is the food that the patient has taken and is suspected to be related to symptoms?
Q3: How much food does the suspect eat?
Q4: What is the time between the patient's eating of food and the onset of symptoms?
Q5: Did the patient develop similar symptoms in the past due to eating the same food?
Q6: Does the patient believe that there are any other factors related to food allergies such as sport?
Q 7: Is there a relationship between the symptoms of the patient and the use of alcohol or some drugs such as anti-beta, which is used in the treatment of high blood pressure?
Q8: When did the patient develop symptoms (food allergy) last time?

Symptoms of food allergy on the circulatory system.. Decreased blood pressure, decreased blood circulation, arrhythmia, respiratory depression and fainting

Symptoms of the circulatory system appear hypersensitivity (allergic shock), which appear in a low blood pressure and drop in blood circulation, arrhythmia, respiratory depression and fainting.

Show food allergies on the respiratory system.. Runny nose, bulges in the lining of the throat, asthma, and skin allergies in children

Show respiratory system is:
A runny nose that occurs immediately after eating a few minutes.
Angioedema appears in bulges in the lining of the larynx which occurs in a large number of cases where the patient feels that there is a weight in the throat and difficulty in speech and a dry cough may reach the stage of obstruction airway and suffocation in children, God forbid.
C) Asthma, which may be accompanied by runny nose and skin allergies in children.

Sensitivity of skin in children due to food allergies.. Eggs, milk, peanuts (almonds), soy, wheat and its products

Sensitivity of the skin in children: It was noted that the severity of this sensitivity increases with the increased exposure of the child to a large number of irritants and repeatedly, making it difficult to diagnose the cause of this sensitivity. Foods that cause this type of allergies are eggs, milk, peanuts (almonds), peanut, soy, wheat and its products.

Bacterial infections in the digestive system cause food allergies.. bacterial infections. Parasitic infections. Viral infections such as viral hepatitis and intestinal influenza

Bacterial infections in the digestive system:
A - bacterial infections (Salmonella, Shigella) and others.
B - parasitic infections (Giardia).
C) Viral infections such as viral hepatitis, intestinal influenza, and others.