How to solve a nursing discussion case study

How to solve a nursing discussion case study

CASE STUDY 3: A 25-year-old male presents with chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis.

Define innate vs. acquired immunity.
Define active vs. passive immunity.
Discuss the genetic predisposition of allergens.
Describe the antigen-antibody response.
What is the pathology of sinusitis?

Define innate vs. acquired immunity.

The body’s defense against microbes is mediated by the innate and adaptive or acquired immune responses. Innate immunity provides an early line of defense against microbes and it represents immunity that an individual is born with (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2021). Acquired immunity takes over after innate immunity and develops upon exposure to a certain disease. It specifically targets the type of germ that is causing an infection.

Define active vs. passive immunity.

Active immunity is the body’s immediate response to pathogens when subjected to a foreign antigen (CDC, 2021). Passive immunity occurs when an individual is given antibodies to disease from another person rather than producing them through their immune system.

Discuss the genetic predisposition of allergens.

Some families appear to be more affected by allergic conditions than others leading to the development of theories on genetic predisposition to allergies. For example, different allergic conditions are related to elevation of IgE making co-morbidity due to genetic components possible (Portelli et al., 2015). Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified various genes that are potential contributors to allergic conditions. Gene variations that alter the activity of cytokines like interleukin-33 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin have been found to lead to allergies like asthma (Portelli et al., 2015). Identification of these mechanisms is important to manage families with the highest susceptibility to allergies.

 Describe the antigen-antibody response.

There are several types of antibodies and antigens with each antibody only capable of binding to a specific antigen. During agglutination, antibodies recognize antigens based on their structure as well as the content. When a host is exposed to antigens, the host develops an array of antibodies that bind to specific epitopes of the antigen. This combination is the fundamental mechanism of protection against pathogens and their chemical toxins. Antibodies attach to specific antigens and this process allows the immune cells to destroy the antigen.

What is the pathology of sinusitis?

Sinusitis refers to the inflammation of the paranasal sinuses as a result of fungal, viral, bacteria, or allergic reactions (Husein et al., 2018). The condition normally follows URTIs and may not require treatment. Organisms usually involved include Haemophilus influenzae, streptococcus pneumoniae, staph aureus, and strep pyogens (Husein et al., 2018). During infection, the swollen nasal mucous membrane obstructs the sinuses, and oxygen is absorbed into the blood vessels. Negative pressure builds up in the sinus leading to pain that leads to further inflammation that presents with hyperemic and edematous mucous membrane (Husein et al., 2018). The management of the disease is through local measures to enhance drainage and sometimes antibiotics can be used after careful consideration.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Vaccines and immunizations. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/immunity-types.htm#:~:text=Passive%20immunity%20is%20provided%20when,its%20mother%20through%20the%20placenta.

Husain, S., Amilia, H. H., Rosli, M. N., Zahedi, F. D., Sachlin, I. S., & Development Group Clinical Practice Guidelines Management of Rhinosinusitis in Adolescents & Adults (2018). Management of rhinosinusitis in adults in primary care. Malaysian Family Physician : The Official Journal of the Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia13(1), 28–33.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5962231/

Portelli, M. A., Hodge, E., & Sayers, I. (2015). Genetic risk factors for the development of allergic disease identified by genome-wide association. Clinical and Experimental Allergy : Journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology45(1), 21–31. https://doi.org/10.1111/cea.12327

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