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Related Concept Videos

Hypersensitivities01:30

Hypersensitivities

7.3K
Hypersensitivity, also known as a hypersensitivity reaction or allergic reaction, is a condition where the body's immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance. Such substances, that cause hypersensitivity are referred to as an allergen, could be something typically harmless to most people, like pollen or certain foods.
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...
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Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions01:30

Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions

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Drug-related allergies are immune-mediated responses triggered by the administration of pharmacological agents. These hypersensitivity reactions are classified based on the immune mechanisms involved. The four primary types—Type I, II, III, and IV—are mediated by different immunological pathways and exhibit distinct clinical manifestations.Type I Hypersensitivity/ IgE-Mediated Reactions: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) immediately mediates Type I hypersensitivity reactions. Upon initial...
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Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cytolytic Reactions01:01

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cytolytic Reactions

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Type II hypersensitivity involves IgG and IgM antibodies targeting cell surface antigens, leading to cell destruction. This can occur through complement activation, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), or acting as opsonins for phagocytosis. When excessive, these reactions cause significant tissue damage.Drug-induced hemolytic anemia is a common example, where drugs like penicillin or cephalosporins bind to red blood cells, forming drug-protein complexes. These complexes...
221
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions01:19

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions

287
Type III hypersensitivity reactions occur when antigen–antibody complexes form and activate the complement system. Normally, these complexes help the clearance of antigens by phagocytes and red blood cells. However, when large numbers of immune complexes are present, they can deposit in tissues—particularly in the walls of blood vessels—leading to inflammation and tissue injury. These deposits trigger complement activation and neutrophil recruitment, resulting in serum...
287
Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis01:30

Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis

293
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When IgE binds to allergens, it triggers the release of mediators– histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins from mast cells and basophils. These mediators cause vasodilation, edema, and inflammation, leading to various symptoms.The primary allergens causing anaphylaxis include food items (e.g., peanuts, shellfish), drugs (e.g., penicillin, asparaginase, corticotropin,...
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Allergic Drug Reactions01:27

Allergic Drug Reactions

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Allergic reactions related to drugs are hypersensitivity responses driven by the immune system and bear no connection to the drug's therapeutic action. While drugs in isolation do not trigger an immune response, they can interact with endogenous proteins to form antigens. These antigens stimulate lymphocytes to produce antibodies. IgE-type antibodies attach themselves to mast cells. Upon subsequent exposure to the same stimulus, the antigen-antibody interaction is initiated, unleashing...
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Hypersensitivity to antihistamines.

Alireza A Shakouri1, Sami L Bahna

  • 1Allergy/Immunology Section, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA.

Allergy and Asthma Proceedings
|October 31, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Hypersensitivity reactions to antihistamines, though rare, can occur. This study highlights cases of urticaria and anaphylaxis, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and diagnostic vigilance for these allergy medications.

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Area of Science:

  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Pharmacology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Antihistamines are primary treatments for allergies.
  • Hypersensitivity reactions to antihistamines are considered rare.
  • This study investigates reported hypersensitivity reactions to antihistamines.

Observation:

  • Two cases presented with severe reactions: urticaria to multiple H1-blockers and anaphylaxis to hydroxyzine.
  • Literature review identified diverse reactions including urticaria, angioedema, contact dermatitis, anaphylaxis, and fixed drug eruption (FDE).
  • Reactions occurred across various age groups, predominantly in females, with onset times ranging from minutes to hours.

Findings:

  • Cetirizine and hydroxyzine were the most frequently implicated oral antihistamines.
  • Doxepin cream was the most common topical agent causing contact dermatitis.
  • Cross-reactivity between antihistamines is possible but not universal.

Implications:

  • Recognizing antihistamine hypersensitivity is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis, as reactions can mimic allergy symptoms.
  • Clinical suspicion, supported by challenge testing (especially patch testing for contact dermatitis/FDE), aids diagnosis.
  • Increased awareness can improve patient outcomes by identifying tolerable antihistamine alternatives.