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An allergy can refer to several kinds of immune reactions including Type I hypersensitivity in which a person's body is hypersensitised and develops IgE type antibodies to typical proteins. When a person is hypersensitised, these substances are known as allergens. The word allergy derives from the Greek words allos meaning "other" and ergon meaning "work". Type I hypersensitivity is characterised by excessive activation of mast cells and basophils by immunoglobulin E resulting in a systemic inflammatory response that can result in symptoms as benign as a runny nose, to life-threatening anaphylactic shock and death.
Allergy is a very common disorder and more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergic diseases. Allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic disease in the United States, costing the health care system $18 billion annually (Allergy statistics).
History
The term and concept of "allergy" was coined by a Viennese pediatrician named Clemens von Pirquet in 1906 *. He observed that the symptoms of some of his patients might have been a response to outside allergens such as dust, pollen, or certain foods. For a long time all hypersensitivities were thought to stem from the improper action of inflammatory immunoglobulin class IgE, however it soon became clear that several different mechanisms utilizing different effector molecules were responsible for the myriad of disorders previously classified as "allergies". A new four-class (now five) classification scheme was designed by P. G. H. Gell and R. R. A. Coombs. Allergy has since been kept as the name for Type I Hypersensitivity, characterised by classical IgE mediation of effects. More on [ Allergy ]
Reactions - A technical article by Malcolm T. Sanford, professor, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
AAAAI: Life-saving Medication for Patients with Anaphylaxis - Instructions on the use of an EpiPen.
Allergic Reaction: Severe - Presents definition of anaphylactic shock, causes, prevention, and treatment.
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Anaphylaxis - Life-threatening allergy - Explains history, causes, symptoms, pathophysiology, and use of adrenaline/epinephrine injectors.
Anaphylaxis in Schools and Child Care Settings - Discusses prevalence, precautions, avoidance strategies, common symptoms, and treatment. [Allergy Asthma Information Society of Ontario]
Children's Eliminates Powdered Gloves From Operating and Recovery Rooms - Information on latex allergic responses which can range from mild skin irritation to life-threatening anaphylactic shock. From the Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Meta Description: [ Childrens Hospital Medical Center is one of the first hospitals in the Cincinnati area to have eliminated all powdered gloves from its operating rooms, recovery rooms and other surgical areas. ]
eMedicine Online Text: Allergic Reaction - Presents pathophysiology, prevalence, morbidity, presentation and physical findings, common causes, prehospital and emergency department care, medications, and follow-up care.
Meta Description: [ Anaphylaxis - Anaphylaxis refers to a severe allergic reaction in which prominent dermal and systemic signs and symptoms manifest. The full-blown syndrome includes urticaria (hives) and/or angioedema with hypotension and bronchospasm. The classic form, described in 1902, involves prior sensitiza... ]
Medfacts: Anaphylaxis - Reviews symptoms, triggers, treatment, and prevention. [National Jewish Medical and Research Center]
Meta Description: [ A small number of people experience a life-threatening type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Learn about anaphylaxis symptoms, triggers, treatment and management, and the role of National Jewish. ]
Resuscitation Council: Emergency Medical Treatment of Anaphylactic Reactions - Detailed guidelines for the treatment of children and adults by first responders and community nurses.
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