Pathophysiology
Comment 1:
Immunodeficiency disorders are caused by the immune system’s failure to function properly. The immune system is the body’s safeguard against pathogenic microorganisms. A healthy immune system allows the body to fight off invading microorganisms and prevent infection (Falkner, p 79). Abnormal reactions of the immune system include hypersensitivity and autoimmune responses. Symptoms vary depending on the type of disorder and the person.
Hypersensitivity is an immune system overreaction to a substance that normally wouldn’t cause an immune response, also called an allergic reaction, which can be immediate or delayed. Most hypersensitivity reactions are mild. Mild allergic reactions may present with itching, hives, watery eyes, rash, scratchy throat, and rhinitis (Falkner, p 80). However, severe hypersensitivity can cause serious problems and complications that lead to death. For example, Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS) is a severe reaction to medication that can cause Anaphylaxis and shock that can affect the whole body and is life-threatening.
Autoimmune disorders occur when the body’s immune system attacks normal cells. Common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain and swelling, skin problems, digestive problems, fever that comes and goes, etc. Some autoimmune diseases can be difficult to diagnose because these symptoms can come from other common conditions. Research shows that autoimmune diseases can be among the most challenging to diagnose, with patients spending years going from one doctor to the next, trying to find an answer to their health problems. Some common autoimmune diseases, including Type 1 diabetes mellitus, are relatively easy to diagnose, while others, such as vasculitis, Addison’s disease, lupus, and other rheumatic diseases, are more difficult. (AMN Healthcare, 2023).
No matter what kind of immune system disease it is, it will cause many problems for the patient’s daily life and relationships. For example, rheumatic diseases can affect patient and family relationships differently. Because of the pain and loss of independence, the patient may show frustration, anger, and depression, which can affect other family members. Decreased activities can cause emotional and financial changes that can affect marriage relationships. Family, friends, and social support are important for patients with autoimmune diseases.
Comment 2:
Immune dysfunction is characterized by either an overactive or underactive immune system. It can show in a variety of symptoms that significantly impact daily living and relationships. Primary immunodeficiencies (PIs) are a group of more than 450 rare, chronic conditions where a part of the body’s immune system is missing or does not function correctly. What is PI? | Immune Deficiency Foundation. (n.d.) Patients with an overactive immune system, such as those with autoimmune diseases, might experience chronic inflammation, fatigue, pain, and organ dysfunction as the body mistakenly attacks its own tissues. This can lead to symptoms such as joint pain in rheumatoid arthritis, skin rashes in lupus, or gastrointestinal issues in Crohn’s disease. On the other hand, individuals with an underactive immune system, such as those with immunodeficiencies, are prone to frequent and severe infections due to the body’s inability to effectively fight off pathogens. This can result in symptoms like persistent colds, prolonged recovery from illnesses, and recurrent pneumonia or sinusitis. In autoimmune diseases, the body attacks normal, healthy tissues. The cause is unknown. It is probably a combination of a person’s genes and something in the environment that triggers those genes. John Hopkins Medicine. (2019).
These symptoms often lead to considerable physical and emotional distress, complicating daily activities and impacting personal and professional relationships. Chronic pain and fatigue may limit a person’s ability to work, engage in social activities, or maintain household responsibilities, fostering feelings of frustration, isolation, and dependency. The unpredictability of symptom flare-ups can strain relationships as friends and family members might struggle to understand the patient’s limitations or the need for frequent medical care. This can result in emotional burdens on both the patient and their loved ones, potentially leading to strained interactions and reduced quality of life.
Comment 4:
The job of the immune system is to fight off pathogens and prevent infection, but sometimes it malfunctions and attack things that it shouldn’t. There are hypersensitive responses and autoimmune responses.
A hypersensitivity (allergic reaction), is the result of a complex immune response in which mast cells are degranulated and histamine is released. Mild allergic reactions usually manifest themselves in itchiness, rash, scratchy throat, and watery eyes. But occasionally they become severe and can result in anaphylactic shock. Anaplylactic shock is life threatening and the one experiencing it must be treated immediately since it can result airway swelling and potential death (Randall, 2022). Mild responses are bothersome enough to patients and families since the victim needs to take antihistamines and/or other cold medications to keep the responses at bay. But an anaphylactic reaction triggers fear in the patient and their loved ones since they must stay away from all forms of the allergen and carry epinephrine with them at all times.
Autoimmune disorders arise when the body’s immune system attacks itself. When masts cells attack a perceived pathogen, an inflammatory response ensues (Bolin, 2023). This is what happens in rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. Fibromyalgia is an autoimmune disease that causes musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, insomnia and mood issues. It often is triggered by trauma, a stressful event, an infection or surgery. Researchers believe that repeated nerve stimulation causes changes in the brain and spinal cord. Fibromyalgia affects physical, psychological, social, and cognitive functioning. Individuals with this disease have difficulty adapting to it, since the symptoms cannot be seen (Galvez-Sánchez, 2019). People with fibromyalgia can feel alienated to family and friends who do not always understand how life altering the symptoms can be.
Comment 5:
Hypersensitivity is an extreme immune reaction to a foreign substance or illness. It results from complex immune responses involving the degranulation of mast cells, which activates the release of histamine. Most hypersensitivity reactions are mild (Falkner, p. 80). Anaphylaxis is the most severe presentation of a hypersensitivity reaction. It has a rapid onset and is potentially fatal if not recognized and treated early (Eviq, 2024). Therefore, identifying the symptoms of hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis reactions is crucial to saving a patient’s life. The common hypersensitivity symptoms can include dry, itchy skin or bumpy skin rash, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, and asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, etc. Anaphylaxis involves the respiratory and/or cardiovascular system. Symptoms may include flushing, nausea, vomiting, fever, rash, hives, bronchospasm, back pain, and circulatory collapse. Nurses must be aware of the signs and symptoms of anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening allergic reaction requiring immediate response (Falkner, p 80 ). When a nurse suspects an anaphylaxis reaction, it is critical to stop administering the medications and alert the physician. Remain with the patient and ensure the airway is clear, take vital signs, maintain IV access, and prepare resuscitative medications, such as epinephrine IM or SQ, corticosteroids, and antihistamines. Nurses should also familiarize themselves with their workplace protocols for anaphylaxis first aid and be involved in patient education about their allergy issues for the future.
Comment 6:
Symptoms associated with hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis include a range of acute, often severe, reactions that can rapidly progress. Hypersensitivity reactions might present with localized symptoms such as hives, itching, redness, and swelling, particularly at the site of allergen exposure. If you are allergic to a substance, your immune system overreacts to this allergen by releasing chemicals that cause allergy symptoms. Anaphylaxis Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Management | AAAAI. (2021). More severe hypersensitivity reactions, like anaphylaxis, involve systemic symptoms including difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling of the throat and tongue, rapid or weak pulse, dizziness or fainting, gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, and a sense of impending doom. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can be triggered by many things including venomous stings, certain foods (like peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, milk, eggs, soy and wheel), animal dander, plant pollen, latex or certain medications (like penicillin and sulfa drugs). Allergic Reaction/Anaphylaxis: Causes, Symptoms, How To Help. (n.d.).
To differentiate these from other conditions, nurses will consider the rapid onset following exposure to a known allergen, the presence of multiple system involvement, and patient history of allergies. If anaphylaxis is suspected, the nurse should immediately administer epinephrine, as it is the first-line treatment, and call for emergency medical assistance. Subsequent steps include laying the patient flat with their legs elevated (if there are no contraindications), providing supplemental oxygen, and preparing for advanced airway management if needed. Continuous monitoring of vital signs and readiness to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the patient’s condition deteriorates is crucial. Rapid identification and intervention are essential to prevent severe complications and improve outcomes in anaphylactic reactions.
Collepals.com Plagiarism Free Papers
Are you looking for custom essay writing service or even dissertation writing services? Just request for our write my paper service, and we'll match you with the best essay writer in your subject! With an exceptional team of professional academic experts in a wide range of subjects, we can guarantee you an unrivaled quality of custom-written papers.
Get ZERO PLAGIARISM, HUMAN WRITTEN ESSAYS
Why Hire Collepals.com writers to do your paper?
Quality- We are experienced and have access to ample research materials.
We write plagiarism Free Content
Confidential- We never share or sell your personal information to third parties.
Support-Chat with us today! We are always waiting to answer all your questions.
