Condition Lookup
Category:
Allergic and Immunological Conditions
Number of Conditions: 4
Food Allergies
Specialty: Internal Medicine
Category: Allergic and Immunological Conditions
Symptoms:
hives; swelling of lips, face, or tongue; abdominal pain; vomiting; diarrhea; itchy throat; anaphylaxis (severe cases)
Root Cause:
Immune system overreaction to specific proteins in foods (e.g., nuts, shellfish, eggs).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, skin prick testing, blood tests for specific IgE antibodies, oral food challenge (under supervision).
Treatment:
Avoidance of trigger foods, emergency treatment for severe reactions.
Medications:
Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine ) for mild symptoms, epinephrine autoinjector for anaphylaxis.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 6–8% of children and 2–3% of adults globally.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, other allergies (e.g., asthma, eczema), early exposure to allergens.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with strict avoidance; children may outgrow some allergies.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Anaphylaxis, nutritional deficiencies if dietary restrictions are poorly managed.
Drug Allergies
Specialty: Internal Medicine
Category: Allergic and Immunological Conditions
Symptoms:
rash; hives; itching; fever; swelling; difficulty breathing (in severe cases)
Root Cause:
Immune system overreaction to medications, such as antibiotics (e.g., penicillin) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, skin testing (e.g., penicillin allergy testing), graded drug challenge.
Treatment:
Discontinuation of the offending drug, supportive care, desensitization in some cases.
Medications:
Antihistamines, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ) for moderate reactions; epinephrine for anaphylaxis.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 5–10% of people exposed to medications.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Previous drug reactions, genetic predisposition, chronic illnesses.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with prompt management and avoidance of the trigger drug.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis.
Anaphylaxis (Emergency Management)
Specialty: Internal Medicine
Category: Allergic and Immunological Conditions
Symptoms:
difficulty breathing; swelling of the throat or tongue; hives; severe hypotension; rapid or weak pulse; dizziness or fainting; nausea or vomiting
Root Cause:
Life-threatening systemic allergic reaction involving massive histamine release and widespread inflammation.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical presentation during acute symptoms; no diagnostic tests needed during an emergency.
Treatment:
Immediate administration of epinephrine, airway management, IV fluids, observation in a hospital setting.
Medications:
Epinephrine autoinjector (first-line), antihistamines, corticosteroids (e.g., methylprednisolone ) for prolonged reactions.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 1–2% of the population; rising prevalence globally.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Food allergies, insect stings, drug allergies, prior anaphylaxis episodes.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with prompt treatment; delayed treatment increases risk of fatality.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cardiac arrest, airway obstruction, recurrent anaphylaxis (biphasic reaction).
Seasonal Allergies (Allergic Rhinitis)
Specialty: Internal Medicine
Category: Allergic and Immunological Conditions
Symptoms:
sneezing; runny or stuffy nose; itchy eyes, nose, or throat; watery eyes; fatigue
Root Cause:
Immune system overreaction to airborne allergens (e.g., pollen, mold spores) during specific seasons.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, allergy testing (skin prick or blood tests for allergen-specific IgE).
Treatment:
Allergen avoidance, medications for symptom relief, immunotherapy for long-term management.
Medications:
Antihistamines (e.g., loratadine , cetirizine ), nasal corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone , mometasone ), decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 10–30% of the global population.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, exposure to seasonal allergens, asthma.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with treatment and allergen management.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Sinusitis, poor sleep quality, reduced productivity during allergy season.