Immunity and Hypersensitivity Notes

Adaptive Acquired Immunity

• Antibodies develop naturally after infection or artificially after vaccination.
• A significant portion of the immune system is located in the gut.
• A non-functional gut can impair the immune system.
• 70-80% of lymphocytes are T cells and B cells.
• B cells make up 20-30% of lymphocytes.
• B cells produce antibodies in response to an antigen (something the body recognizes as foreign).

Humoral and Aging (Effects of Normal Aging)

• Aging affects the immune system, potentially weakening its systems.
• Examples of aging's effects include delayed reactions for dermatitis and difficulty in detecting infections.
• Bone marrow is relatively unaffected by increasing age.
• The thymus gland, largest between infancy and the teenage years, begins to be replaced by fat which impacts T cell maturation.
• Older adults have an increased risk of death from cancer due to abnormal cell mutation, which the immune system usually eliminates.

Immune Response Immunotherapy

• Immunotherapy helps the body develop stronger immunity.
• Vaccines are an example; attenuation provides what the body needs to fight.
• Immunotherapy can include exposing people to allergens to build up a response.

Disorders of the Immune System (Hypersensitivity)

• EpiPens are crucial for people with hypersensitivity.
• Always carry two EpiPens.
• Patient assistance programs can provide EpiPens if they are unaffordable. Two are available each year.
• Hypersensitivity can be triggered by harmless substances.
• Histamines are released in response, causing rash, swelling, and hives.
• Allergy testing can be done through scratch tests or other methods, with precautions taken in case of reactions.

Early Recognition of Signs and Symptoms of Hypersensitivity

• Edema to the lips, stridor, coughing, and choking are signs.

Medical Management

• For mild symptoms, administer prescribed dose of Epi 1:1000 subcutaneous.
• Repeat at 5 to 20-minute intervals if necessary.
• For severe symptoms, Epi 1:10,000 may be given IV, along with Benadryl and Solu Medrol (a steroid).
• Rebound can occur, where allergic reaction symptoms return hours later.
• Prescribe ongoing antihistamines (Benadryl, Allegra) and an EpiPen for potential rebound.

Post-Vaccine Monitoring

• Keep patients for at least 15 to 30 minutes after vaccination to monitor for allergic reactions.
• If a patient leaves against medical advice (AMA), and there are concerns, contact the police.

Latex Allergies

• People allergic to latex may also have allergies to bananas, avocados, kiwi, tomatoes, or other common foods due to similar proteins.
• Shellfish allergies are often linked to iodine allergies.

Delayed Hypersensitivity

• Can occur 24 to 72 hours after exposure.

Autoimmune Disorders

• Autoimmune disorders involve the body attacking its own tissues, possibly triggered by environmental factors or viral infections.

Transfusion Reactions

• Transfusion reactions can occur at any time during a transfusion, not just in the first 30 minutes.