3 references
Alterations in Cellular Processes > Use this information to answer the questions on the Rubric
C.M. is a 22-year-old male patient who presents to the clinic for allergy immunotherapy “allergy shots”.
He was given the the IM medication and waited 30 minutes to leave the center. As the patient is leaving, he begins to complain of having difficulty swallowing, nausea, and feeling weak.
His vitals are 100/76, HR 120, Resp 24, O2 sat 95%.
The patient is now sitting in a tripod position on the table.
Using this Case Study, post an explanation of the disease presented. In addition, include the following information:
- Role of Genetics
- Why the patient presented with the symptoms to the ED
- What was the physiology response and why did the response occur?
- Which cell are involved in this process (Allergic reaction)
- How other characteristics would change your response.
Based on the symptoms described in the case study, it appears that the patient is experiencing an anaphylactic reaction following allergy immunotherapy. Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs rapidly after exposure to an allergen. In this case, the allergen could be one of the components of the allergy shot administered to the patient.
Role of Genetics: Genetics can play a significant role in predisposing individuals to allergies and anaphylactic reactions. Certain genetic factors can influence the immune system’s response to allergens, making some individuals more susceptible to allergic reactions than others. Additionally, there may be genetic factors that affect the metabolism of medications, potentially impacting the body’s response to the allergy shot.
Why the patient presented with the symptoms to the ED: The symptoms described, including difficulty swallowing, nausea, weakness, and vital sign changes (elevated heart rate, low blood pressure), are consistent with anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can progress rapidly and requires immediate medical attention to prevent complications such as respiratory failure, cardiovascular collapse, and death.
Physiological response and why it occurred: During anaphylaxis, the immune system overreacts to an allergen, triggering the release of large amounts of histamine and other inflammatory mediators. These mediators cause blood vessels to dilate, leading to a drop in blood pressure (hypotension) and increased permeability of blood vessels. This increased permeability can result in fluid leakage from blood vessels into surrounding tissues, causing symptoms such as swelling, hives, and difficulty breathing. The elevated heart rate (tachycardia) is the body’s compensatory mechanism to maintain blood flow to vital organs in the face of decreased blood pressure.
Cells involved in this process (Allergic reaction): Several types of cells are involved in the allergic reaction, including mast cells and basophils. These cells contain granules filled with histamine and other inflammatory mediators. Upon exposure to an allergen, such as the components of the allergy shot, these cells become activated and release their contents, triggering the allergic response.
How other characteristics would change your response: Other characteristics that could influence the patient’s response include their medical history, concurrent medications, and previous allergic reactions. Patients with a history of severe allergies or anaphylaxis may require more aggressive treatment and monitoring. Additionally, the presence of other medical conditions, such as asthma or cardiovascular disease, could complicate the management of anaphylaxis and necessitate tailored interventions.
References:
- Simons FER, Ardusso LRF, Bilò MB, et al. International consensus on (ICON) anaphylaxis. World Allergy Organ J. 2014;7(1):9. doi:10.1186/1939-4551-7-9
- Sampson HA, Muñoz-Furlong A, Campbell RL, et al. Second symposium on the definition and management of anaphylaxis: summary report—Second National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease/Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network symposium. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006;117(2):391-397. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2005.12.1303
- Lieberman P, Nicklas RA, Randolph C, et al. Anaphylaxis—a practice parameter update 2015. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2015;115(5):341-384. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2015.07.019