Discussion: Alterations in Cellular Processes
. Post an explanation of the disease highlighted in the scenario you were provided. Include the following in your explanation:
- The role genetics plays in the disease.
- Why the patient is presenting with the specific symptoms described.
- The physiologic response to the stimulus presented in the scenario and why you think this response occurred.
- The cells that are involved in this process.
- How another characteristic (e.g., gender, genetics) would change your response.
Scenario 1: A 16-year-old boy comes to clinic with chief complaint of sore throat for 3 days. Denies fever or chills. PMH negative for recurrent colds, influenza, ear infections or pneumonias. NKDA or food allergies. Physical exam reveals temp of 99.6 F, pulse 78 and regular with respirations of 18. HEENT normal with exception of reddened posterior pharynx with white exudate on tonsils that are enlarged to 3+. Positive anterior and posterior cervical adenopathy. Rapid strep test performed in office was positive. His HCP wrote a prescription for amoxicillin 500 mg po q 12 hours x 10 days disp #20. He took the first capsule when he got home and immediately complained of swelling of his tongue and lips, difficulty breathing with audible wheezing. 911 was called and he was taken to the hospital, where he received emergency treatment for his allergic reaction.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
This scenario highlights a case of an allergic reaction, specifically to amoxicillin, taken by a 16-year-old boy who initially presented with a sore throat. The following discussion will explain the disease, the role genetics plays in it, why the patient is presenting with particular symptoms, the physiologic response to the stimulus, the cells that are involved in the process and how gender or genetics can affect it.
Answer:
The disease highlighted in the scenario is an allergic reaction, specifically an anaphylactic reaction, to amoxicillin, which is an antibiotic commonly used to treat conditions such as strep throat. Genetics can play a role in the development of allergies, including allergic reactions to antibiotics. Studies have shown that individuals with a family history of allergies are more likely to develop allergies themselves. Therefore, the patient in the scenario may have a genetic predisposition to allergies, including an allergic reaction to amoxicillin.
The patient is presenting with a sore throat, enlarged tonsils with white exudate, and adenopathy, which are common symptoms of streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat). The physiologic response to amoxicillin, in this case, was anaphylaxis, which is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs when the immune system overreacts to a specific allergen. Anaphylaxis can cause a decrease in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and swelling in the mouth and throat. In this case, the patient’s body perceived amoxicillin as a harmful substance, and the immune system launched a defense mechanism, triggering the release of histamine and other chemicals that caused the symptoms of anaphylaxis.
The cells involved in this process are mast cells and basophils, which are responsible for releasing histamine and other inflammatory mediators during an allergic response. These cells are activated when the immune system recognizes an allergen as a threat, causing an immediate and sometimes severe response.
Gender and genetics can play a role in the development of allergies, including allergic reactions to medications like amoxicillin. For example, studies have shown that females are more likely to develop allergies than males. Additionally, certain genetic variations can increase the likelihood of developing allergies, and therefore, may affect the severity and frequency of anaphylactic reactions.
