Immunology

1. Allergic Reactions
   1. Types of Allergens
      1. Environmental Allergens
         1. Pollen
            1. Seasonal Variations
            2. Impact of Climate Change
         2. Dust Mites
            1. Habitats and Prevention
         3. Pet Dander
            1. Common Pets and Their Allergens
         4. Mold
            1. Indoor and Outdoor Mold Spores
      2. Food Allergens
         1. Common Food Allergens
            1. Milk
            2. Eggs
            3. Peanuts
            4. Tree nuts
            5. Fish
            6. Shellfish
            7. Wheat
            8. Soy
         2. Cross-Contamination Issues
         3. Food Labels and Regulations
      3. Insect Sting Allergens
         1. Bees
         2. Wasps
         3. Fire Ants
         4. Effects of Venom
      4. Drug Allergens
         1. Antibiotics (e.g., Penicillin)
         2. NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
         3. Chemotherapy Agents
         4. Anaphylactic Potential
      5. Latex Allergens
         1. Sources of Latex
         2. Latex-Free Alternatives
   2. Mechanism of Allergic Responses
      1. Sensitization Phase
         1. Initial Exposure
         2. IgE Production
         3. Role of Mast Cells
      2. Activation Phase
         1. Repeated Exposure
         2. Cross-linking of IgE
         3. Degranulation of Mast Cells
      3. Effector Phase
         1. Release of Histamines
         2. Role of Other Mediators (e.g., Leukotrienes, Prostaglandins)
         3. Symptomatic Expression in Target Organs
            1. Skin (e.g., Hives)
            2. Respiratory System (e.g., Asthma, Rhinitis)
            3. Gastrointestinal Tract
   3. Diagnostic Tests for Allergies
      1. Skin Prick Tests
         1. Procedure and Interpretation
         2. Limitations and Risks
      2. Blood Tests
         1. Specific IgE Testing
         2. RAST (Radioallergosorbent Test)
      3. Challenge Testing
         1. Oral Food Challenges
         2. Drug Challenges
         3. Safety Protocols
      4. Patch Testing
         1. Delayed-Type Reactions
         2. Identification of Contact Allergens
   4. Treatments for Allergies
      1. Pharmacological Treatments
         1. Antihistamines
            1. First Generation
            2. Second Generation
            3. Mechanisms of Action
         2. Corticosteroids
            1. Topical vs. Systemic Use
            2. Side Effects and Management
         3. Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists
         4. Decongestants
            1. Short-Term Use and Limitations
      2. Immunotherapy
         1. Allergen Immunotherapy (AIT)
            1. Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)
            2. Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT)
         2. Desensitization Process
         3. Long-term Benefits and Risks
      3. Lifestyle Management
         1. Allergen Avoidance Strategies
         2. Environmental Control Measures
            1. Air Filters
            2. Humidity Control
         3. Dietary Adjustments for Food Allergies
         4. Emergency Action Plans for Anaphylaxis
            1. Use of Epinephrine Auto-injectors
            2. Identifying and Responding to Anaphylaxis Symptoms