Type 1 Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity is a person’s reaction to a certain allergen, which causes an allergic reaction that can be fatal if not well managed. The girl brought to the clinic is allergic to those things that lead to an asthma attack. Thus, the healthcare provider is concerned with reaction to the penicillin, which is known to react with people with hypersensitivity (Shiv Pillai, Abdul & Wilson, 2011). Thus, the caregiver ought to ensure that the concentration of the penicillin is not too strong to result in an allergic reaction, which would complicate the treatment. Thus, the caregiver is concerned about the level of concentration of the penicillin. Thus, the use of penicillin ought to be closely monitored so that in case of any allergic reactions, the treatment can be changed.

IgE plays a significant role in type I hypersensitivity because it is responsible for fighting those things that the body is allergic to (Winter, Hardt & Fuhrman, 2000). Thus, when the body has a hypersensitive reaction to a certain item, the IgE plays a role in fighting this allergy- causing pathogen. Thus, it acts as a defense mechanism for the body against allergy- causing pathogens. Mast cells also play a significant part in type I hypersensitivity because they contain tissues that are sites for histamine, a central chemical in allergic reactions. These cells thus become the site of reactions when the person comes into contact with allergens. These allergens are what are central to type I hypersensitivity (Winter, Hardt & Fuhrman, 2000).

Penicillin is an antibiotic that treats serious pathogenic infections (Shiv Pillai, Abdul & Wilson, 2011). This is because penicillin is strong and destroys most pathogens efficiently. However, penicillin reacts to hypersensitivity and thus, most people with hypersensitivity may react adversely to the drug. In the case of E.O, she is hypersensitive, and this predisposes her to an allergic reaction to penicillin. This being her first use, she may react to the drug because her body has not developed a mechanism that adapt to the drug or fight the hypersensitivity.

References

Winter, W, E., Hardt, N, S & Fuhrman, S (2000). “Immunoglobulin E: importance in parasitic infections and hypersensitivity responses”. Archives of pathology & laboratory medicine. New York: College of American Pathologists.

Shiv Pillai, M, D., Abul K. A & Wilson, A. (2011). Cellular and Molecular Immunology: with STUDENT CONSULT Online Access. Philadelphia: Saunders.