A 5-year-old child is experiencing itchy, watery eyes and an increased respiratory rate with some inspiratory wheezes. He has been outside playing in the yard and trees. The mother asks, "Why does he get like this?"

Question

The health care worker's best response is:
A) "This is what we call a type I hypersensitivity reaction and usually occurs a few minutes after exposure to his allergen. It is primarily caused by mast cells in his body."
B) "Because his allergy is related to something in his environment, the best thing you can do is try to keep him indoors as much as possible."
C) "This sounds like he is on his way to having an anaphylactic reaction and you need to get a prescription for an EpiPen to decrease his response to monocytes."
D) "This is pretty common in children. He is just getting used to all the allergens in the air. I suggest you just give him a shower after every time he plays outside."

Answer 1

Ans: A
Feedback:
The immediate response to allergen exposure is mast cell degranulation and release of mediators such as histamine and acetylcholine. Monocytes respond as part of the acute immune response. There is no truth to this being an anaphylactic reaction. Showers may help, but the underlying cause is the mast cell degranulation and the release of preformed mediators.