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Allergic Reactions

Allergic Reactions

Cross-reactivity

Cross-reactivity

Allergic Drug Reactions

Allergic Drug Reactions

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...

Tumor Immunotherapy

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.

Hypersensitivities

Hypersensitivities

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...

Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs

Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...

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Acupoint Catgut Embedding Therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine for Managing Allergic Rhinitis

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Acupuncture, Shingles, and Allergen Immunotherapy.

David McMahon¹, Sushma Kadiyala², Irene M Estores¹

¹Integrative Medicine Program and University of Florida Health, Gainsville, Florida, USA.

Medical Acupuncture

|January 3, 2022

Summary

Acupuncture, a minor trauma, may trigger shingles reactivation in individuals undergoing allergen immunotherapy. This case highlights the potential link between acupuncture, immune activation, and Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) recurrence.

Keywords:

dermatologic conditions musculoskeletal pain neurological disorders

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Area of Science:

Neurology
Immunology
Integrative Medicine

Background:

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) establishes latency in dorsal root ganglia.
Reactivation can be incited by stress, trauma, illness, or immune decline.
Previous reports link acupuncture to VZV reactivation and shingles.

Observation:

A patient with a history of thyroid cancer and chronic neck pain underwent acupuncture.
Following acupuncture and an allergy shot, she developed acute Herpes zoster (shingles).
Treatment included acyclovir and topical Aloe vera, resulting in mild scarring without postherpetic neuralgia.

Findings:

Acupuncture represents a minor trauma that can potentially predispose patients to VZV reactivation.
Concurrent allergen immunotherapy may contribute to immune system activation, increasing shingles risk.
This case suggests a possible association between acupuncture, immunotherapy, and shingles.

Implications:

Clinicians should consider VZV reactivation risk in patients undergoing acupuncture, especially with concurrent immune challenges.
Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms linking acupuncture, immunotherapy, and VZV reactivation.
Understanding these triggers can inform patient management and preventative strategies.