Case Study – Allergic Rhinitis Pathophysiology & Clinical Findings of the Disease Identify the correct hypersensitivity reaction:
The symptoms the patient exhibits are typical of allergic rhinitis, the most prevalent type 1 hypersensitivity response mediated by IgE (Abbas et al., 2021). Allergy rhinitis occurs when an allergen is inhaled and causes nasal membrane inflammation. This kind of reaction goes under a few different names: allergic reaction, instant reaction. This is corroborated by the patient’s outward appearance and the amelioration of her symptoms during her Caribbean vacation. Therefore, the allergen is not present in the patient’s immediate surroundings. Treatment, such as antihistamines, is typically required to confirm AR. The correct sensitivity response seems to be established if the patient improves while using this medication.
Explain the pathophysiology associated with the chosen hypersensitivity reaction:
An allergic reaction, also known as a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction, results from a complex interaction between several immune system components. When an allergen comes into contact with the body, it is quickly taken up by antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells and macrophages. After ingesting the antigen, B cells produce allergen-specific antibodies known as IgE. Nasal basophils and mast cells might be targeted by IgE antibodies (Abbas et al., 2021). When exposed to the allergen for a second time, the protein on the mast cell surface will bind to the IgE antibodies. The classic symptoms of allergic rhinitis result from the mast cells’ production of inflammatory chemicals such as Histamine, leukotrienes, and cytokines. These bring on allergy rhinitis symptoms. Histamine is the most potent of these messengers and is responsible for most of the unpleasant effects of allergic rhinitis. Rhinorrhea, or a stuffy or runny nose, is one of these symptoms. Nasal membrane enlargement and increased mucus production result from releasing these mediators. This occurs because the mediators increase vascular permeability.
Identify at least three subjective findings from the case:
The patient presents to the primary care office with a chief complaint of nasal congestion and recurrent sinus infections. Upon further assessment, the nurse practitioner observed that the patient had various subjective symptoms that indicated allergic rhinitis. These subjective symptoms included rhinorrhea, sneezing, and nasal stuffiness that were present daily with no relief. The patient also reported that her symptoms improved while away from her home environment, such as while on a Caribbean cruise, but returned once she returned home. Additionally, the physical exam revealed eyelid redness and swelling, conjunctival swelling and erythema, allergic shiners, allergic creases, and inflamed nares. These subjective and objective findings indicate allergic rhinitis, a hypersensitivity reaction.
Identify at least three objective findings from the case:
The patient presented with several symptoms upon physical examination. This included eyelid redness and swelling, conjunctival swelling and erythema, allergic shiners, allergic crease, and inflamed nares. These objective findings are consistent with the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, a type of hypersensitivity reaction characterized by nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing, and itching. It is caused by a person inhaling something they are allergic to, such as animal dander or pollen. Allergic rhinitis can be classified by the temporal pattern of exposure to a triggering allergen, the frequency of symptoms, and the severity. With proper diagnosis and treatment, allergic rhinitis can be managed to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Management of the Disease
*Utilize the required Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) to support your treatment recommendations.