Description of the Condition: Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis and Allergic Reactions - Paper Example

Describe the probable condition that Ted is suffering from in terms understandable by an educated non-scientist

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According to Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety (2017), hypersensitivity pneumonitis also referred to as extrinsic allergic alveolitis is a health condition that affects the lungs, they become inflamed due to allergic reactions that result from people being exposed to dust from animals and vegetables. Ted murphy experiences gradual onsets of cough, breathlessness, with fever, shivering and malaise. After the doctors examination, he has alveolities. The probable condition Ted is suffering from is pigeon breeders disease a type of hypersensitivity pneumonitis disease. His prolonged and repeated exposure to the antigen found in the pigeons droppings as he cleans their cages, interferes with the bodies defense system that protects the lungs. This interference causes inflammation and damage to his lungs.

Give an Immunological description of the condition

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis also referred to as extrinsic allergic alveolitis is an interstitial lung disorder. It results from inhaling offending antigens usually from organic dust. These offending agents are derived from animal and plants proteins, molds, and thermophilic bacteria. Prolonged and exposure to these antigens results the development of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. These antigens are usually five microns or smaller to enable them get inside the alveoli. Once inside they produce toxic chemicals that trigger allergic reactions in the human body and affects the natural defense system that protects the lungs from foreign substances, this causes inflammation and damages the lungs (Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety, 2017).

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is divided into acute, sub-acute and chronic forms. Acute hypersensitivity pneumonitis is common to patients who suffer the first attack within the first month of exposure, sub-acute hypersensitivity patients symptoms duration is less than one year while patients with progressive complains for at least one year are said to have chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (Mukhopadhyay, 2016)

According to Selman, Pardo, and King (2012), acute hypersensitivity pneumonia is characterized by fever, cough, severe dyspnea, nausea, chills, weight loss, alveolar pulmonary infiltrates, leukocytosis, muscular aches, malaise, and restrictive-type pulmonary functional deficit. Symptoms usually occur within 4 to 8 hours of exposure to these organic dust. Sub-acute hypersensitivity pneumonitis is marked by breathing difficulties, chronic bronchitis, cough, weight loss and anorexia. Chronic hypersensitive pneumonitis is characterized by, cough, dyspnea, fatigue, and weight loss and may advance to lung fibrosis. The patient may suffer from severe lung damage. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a form of immunologic disease because it generates from type III or immune-complex hypersensitivity and type IV (T-cell mediated) or delayed type hypersensitivity response (Ribeiro &Parambil, 2014).

What advice/treatment is most effective to treat Teds condition?

The best treatment method for hypersensitivity pneumonitis is avoidance and elimination. Adequate ventilation and dust control measures are effective in avoiding exposure to the dust particles that contain various offending antigens. Using Personal protective equipment such dust masks and the preventive maintenance methods highlighted on the table below reduces dust exposure to workers or managers who are exposed to these dust particles.

The table below lists several examples of hypersensitivity pneumonitis diseases and the preventive maintenance measures.

Disease Antigen Exposure Preventive maintenance

Farmer's lung Saccharospora, rectivirgula, Thermoactinomyces vulgaris Moldy hay, grain Dust control

Bird fancier's lung; pigeon breeder's lung Proteins in avian droppings, in serum and on feathers Parakeets, pigeons, parrots, chickens, turkeys, geese, Good exhaust ventilation. Water spraying of droppings while cleaning

Animal handlers' lung Proteins from urine and serum Dust , hair particles, dried urine of rodents Good exhaust ventilation.

Mushroom workers' lung saccharospora rectivirgula, T vulgaris, Aspergillus sppMoldy mushroom compost

Good exhaust ventilation.

In order to accelerate Ted Murphys initial recovery, Corticosteroid therapy is very important, he should take the oral or inhaled corticosteroid as prescribed by the physician. It is very important however that Ted understands that the best treatment for Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is completely avoiding repeated exposure to the antigen that is found in the protein particles from the pigeons droppings. If he finds it impossible to completely avoid his exposure, he can completely eliminate his exposure to these particles by using environmental treatment methods and protective equipments. Ted must understand that prolonged and repeated exposure to the particles can permanently damage his lungs and cause disability (Hsieh, 2016).

Reference List

Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety, (2017). Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis. Retrieved February 25, 2017, from HYPERLINK "https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/alveolitis.html" https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/alveolitis.html.

Hsieh, C. (2016) Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Treatment & Management. Retrieved February 25, 2017, from HYPERLINK "http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/299174-treatment" http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/299174-treatment

Mukhopadhyay, S (2016) Pathology of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis. Retrieved February 25, 2017, from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2078434-overview

Ribeiro, G. & Parambil, J.G. (2014). Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis. Retrieved February 25, 2017, fromhttp://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/pulmonary/hypersensitivity-pneumonitis/Selman, M. Pardo, A. & King, T. (2012). Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: insights in diagnosis and pathobiology. Retrieved February 25, 2017, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2267901

CASE 2

Describe the probable condition in general terms, understandable by an educated non-scientist

Many individuals experience allergic reactions. An allergy is a condition in which the immune system of an individual reacts rapidly to something in the environment, often known as an allergen.(Blanca(4) et al.,2014) The allergen could be food, pollen, vaccines or even stings and bites from insects. In this case, Mrs. Jones fell victim to a similar situation, probably known as Anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a form of allergic reaction. The smell of the shellfish made her body react. The reaction in Anaphylaxis may be triggered by mere touch or smell but in many cases ingestion of the allergen substance which is the shellfish in this case.

Give a scientific description of the condition suitable for clinical scientist

Anaphylaxis is a critical allergic condition that is much likely to result in death. It is mainly characterized by swelling of organs such as the tongue, itchiness, wheezing which results from low breath, vomiting and feeling lightheaded( Blanca(4) et al.,2014). The most critical manifestation of Anaphylaxis is the eventual blockage of the airway resulting from inner tissue bulging. Consequently, an individual suffers circulatory obstruction and then death. The symptoms could occur up to hours upon any contact with an allergen. An allergen refers to the substance that reacts with the body to produce the given result.

Allergens could come in form of stings and bites from different insects, various foods for example shellfish, and medications, more precisely vaccines (Muraro(8) et al.,2014). Latex use and exposure and physical exercise are also causes of Anaphylaxis. Pollen is a well-known allergen. Additionally, injection of some medicine especially those used during x-rays.

The reactionary mechanism snarls up into the production of mediators from specific types of White blood cells elicited by either the immune system itself or from external sources, that is; not- immunological. Normally if an individual is allergic, the immune system counteracts the allergen by discharging chemicals. The interaction between the allergen and the discharged chemicals brings about the symptoms experienced in Anaphylaxis or allergic conditions.

The immune system is primarily a defensive mechanism that protects the hosts body against illnesses. In the immunologic defense against Anaphylaxis, an antibody known as immunoglobulin bonds with the specific antigen that triggers the allergic reaction. The antigen bound immunoglobulin actuates its high-affinity receptors on mast cells (Jerschow (6) et al.,2014) This consequently leads to the production of mediators for example histamine. These mediators hasten the diminution of muscles in the bronchi. Additionally, the mediators cause veins in the circulatory system to dilate, hastening the escape of fluids from blood vessels.

The diagnosis of Anaphylaxis is mostly based on a victims signs and symptoms. Some symptoms may be likely cues to Anaphylaxis. If one experiences low blood pressure, respiratory difficulty, and gastrointestinal problems, there is much likelihood the person has contacted Anaphylaxis. The skin may get itchy. In some instances, the skin may turn to blue color due to oxygen deficiency. Furthermore, the tongue may get swollen. Difficulties associated with the respiratory system may include low levels of oxygen and diminishing of breath. Blood pressure, on the other hand, decreases by a one-third margin. Gastrointestinal symptoms could include abdominal cramps, severe diarrhea, and consequent vomiting ( Jerschow(6) et al.,2014). Due to vasodilation in the brain region, an individual is likely to experience severe headaches. Anxiety is also an emotion linked to the condition.

Anaphylaxis may be categorized into three main types. Anaphylactic shock results when vasodilation occurs in blood vessels leading to low blood pressure. In such cases, the blood pressure is normally a third less than the standard blood pressure. Graphic anaphylaxis is the constant repetition of visible symptoms between one to seventy-two hours, without more exposure to the allergic agent. Pseudo anaphylaxis, also known as anaphylactic reactions does not necessarily involve an allergic reaction but is brought about by the degranulation of mast cells in the body.

Legend: Anaphylaxis is a critical allergic condition characterized by swelling of organs such as the tongue, itchiness, wheezing which results from low breath, vomiting and feeling lightheaded. . The skin may get itchy. In some instances, the skin may turn to blue color due to oxygen deficiency. Furthermore, the tongue may get swollen.

Describe the most appropriate treatment

The most appropriate treatment for Anaphylaxis is the injection of epinephrine into a body muscle, accompanied by intravenous fluids. The complexity of Anaphylaxis demands that one undergo various medical procedures to remain in a normal state of consciousness. Resuscitation methods of air management may be applied to see to it that the victim does not suffocate and die. It is also important to position the individual horizontally on the ground for the purpose of maintaining a balanced air pressure system.

Give a brief account of the mechanism of action of the therapy you propose

Epinephrine is mainly administered in a muscle region, mostly around the thigh. The muscle region is preferred over a subcutaneous region. This is because a subcutaneous region would not accommodate fast diffusion of the injected epinephrine ( Jerschow...