Week 9 CT Allergies and Antibiotics

What causes allergies?

An overactive immune response to harmless substances (allergens) that releases histamines.

What do antihistamines do?

They block H1 receptors to reduce symptoms like itching, sneezing, and hives.

What are examples of antihistamines?

Cetirizine and loratadine.

What do corticosteroids do in allergic conditions?

They reduce inflammation and relieve nasal congestion or skin rashes.

What are examples of corticosteroid forms used for allergies?

Nasal sprays and creams.

What do decongestants do?

They relieve nasal stuffiness by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages.

What is an example of a decongestant?

Pseudoephedrine.

What do mast cell stabilizers do?

They prevent the release of inflammatory chemicals from mast cells.

What is an example of a mast cell stabilizer?

Cromolyn sodium eye drops or nasal sprays.

What is immunotherapy for allergies?

Regular exposure to allergens to gradually desensitize the immune system.

What is anaphylaxis?

A life-threatening systemic allergic reaction affecting breathing and cardiovascular function.

What is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis?

Adrenaline (epinephrine).

How is adrenaline given during anaphylaxis?

By intramuscular injection into the lateral thigh.

What does adrenaline do in anaphylaxis?

Reverses airway swelling, relaxes bronchial muscles, and raises blood pressure.

Why are oxygen and IV fluids used in anaphylaxis?

To maintain airway patency and blood pressure.

What supportive medications may be used in anaphylaxis?

Nebulized bronchodilators, antihistamines, and corticosteroids.

What are microbial infections?

Infections caused by pathogens that grow and multiply in the body.

What are antibiotics used for?

Bacterial infections.

How do antibiotics work?

By interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis or protein/DNA synthesis.

What are antivirals used for?

Treating viral infections by targeting stages of viral replication.

What viruses may antivirals treat?

HIV, herpes, and hepatitis viruses.

What are antifungals used for?

Treating fungal infections.

How do antifungals work?

By targeting fungal cell walls or cell membrane synthesis.

What are antiparasitics used for?

Eradicating parasitic infections.

How do antiparasitics work?

By disrupting parasite metabolism or neuromuscular function.

What is non-pharmacological management?

Non-medication interventions used to improve symptoms, function, and quality of life.

What are examples of physical and lifestyle interventions?

Exercise, physical therapy, heat/cold therapy, and massage.

What are examples of psychological therapies?

CBT, mindfulness, meditation, and stress management.

What are dietary and environmental interventions?

Condition-specific diets and environmental adjustments.

What are examples of complementary practices?

Yoga, tai chi, acupuncture, and digital health therapeutics.

What is pharmacological management?

Medication-based treatment used to alter biological processes and manage symptoms.

What are first-line therapeutics?

Initial medications prescribed to balance efficacy and safety.

What are specialized treatments?

Targeted medications such as biologics or anticonvulsants for chronic or severe conditions.

What is combination therapy?

Using medications together with non-pharmacological interventions for better outcomes.

How are antihistamines classified?

By their interaction with H1 receptors and likelihood of causing drowsiness.

What are first-generation antihistamines?

Sedating antihistamines that cross the blood-brain barrier.

Why do first-generation antihistamines cause drowsiness?

Because they easily enter the brain.

What are examples of first-generation antihistamines?

Chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine, and promethazine.

What are second-generation antihistamines?

Non-sedating antihistamines with minimal brain penetration.

What are examples of second-generation antihistamines?

Loratadine, fexofenadine, cetirizine, and desloratadine.

What are H2 antihistamines mainly used for?

Managing acid reflux and stomach acid conditions.

What are antibiotics grouped by?

Their chemical structure and mechanism of action.

How do penicillins work?

They prevent bacteria from building cell walls.

What are examples of penicillins?

Amoxicillin and Penicillin V.

How do cephalosporins work?

Similar to penicillins but often against a broader range of bacteria.

What are examples of cephalosporins?

Cephalexin and ceftriaxone.

How do macrolides work?

They stop bacteria from producing vital proteins.

What are examples of macrolides?

Azithromycin and clarithromycin.

How do fluoroquinolones work?

They disrupt bacterial DNA replication.

What are examples of fluoroquinolones?

Ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin.

How do tetracyclines work?

They inhibit bacterial protein synthesis.

What are examples of tetracyclines?

Doxycycline and minocycline.