P01.005 Allergic disorder

Allergic disorders encompass a range of conditions triggered by an abnormal immune response to harmless substances. Understanding the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of allergic disorders is essential for medical practitioners preparing for the PLAB exam.

Common Allergic Disorders:

Disorder	Clinical Features	Management
Allergic Rhinitis	– Nasal congestion	– Avoid allergens
	– Rhinorrhea	– Intranasal corticosteroids
	– Sneezing	– Antihistamines
	– Itching	– Decongestants
	– Conjunctival symptoms	– Immunotherapy
	– Fatigue
Allergic Conjunctivitis	– Itching, redness, tearing of eyes	– Avoid allergens
	– Conjunctival swelling	– Cold compresses
	– Photophobia	– Antihistamine eye drops
	– Mucoid or serous discharge	– Topical corticosteroids
	– Periorbital edema
Atopic Dermatitis	– Pruritus	– Emollients and moisturizers
(Eczema)	– Erythema, papules, vesicles	– Topical corticosteroids
	– Excoriations	– Calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., tacrolimus)
	– Lichenification	– Avoiding irritants and triggers
	– Xerosis (dry skin)	– Systemic immunosuppressants (in severe cases)
Urticaria	– Pruritic wheals and hives	– Identify and avoid triggers
	– Erythematous, raised lesions	– Antihistamines (H1 and/or H2 blockers)
	– Rapid onset and resolution	– Oral corticosteroids (in severe cases)
	– May have angioedema	– Epinephrine (in anaphylaxis)
	– Associated with allergies, infections, etc.	– Autoinjector (for severe allergic reactions)

Points to Remember:

Pathophysiology: Allergic disorders involve an abnormal immune response, typically mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE), leading to inflammation and tissue damage.
Triggers: Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, animal dander, certain foods, medications, and insect stings.
Clinical Presentation: Symptoms vary depending on the type of allergic disorder but often include itching, redness, swelling, and mucosal secretions.
Diagnosis: Diagnosis is based on clinical history, and physical examination, and may involve allergy testing such as skin prick tests or serum IgE levels.
Management: Treatment aims to relieve symptoms, prevent exacerbations, and identify and avoid triggers. Management strategies include allergen avoidance, pharmacotherapy (e.g., antihistamines, corticosteroids), and, in severe cases, immunotherapy or systemic medications.

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UKMLE: PLAB Part 1

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P01.005 Allergic disorder

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