Allergies (Allergy) Medical Health Quiz on MedicineNet

Allergies Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ

Q:Allergies can best be described as:

ASneezing, itching, watery eyes, scratchy throat BA reaction from body's immune system to a foreign substance CThe onset of a cold during Spring months DA reaction to the influenza virus during Spring months

Q:Allergies can best be described as:

The correct answer is: B A reaction from body's immune system to a foreign substance

Explanation:

An allergy refers to an exaggerated reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. Allergic people's bodies recognize the foreign substance and one part of the immune system turns on. Allergens are substances that are foreign to the body and can cause an allergic reaction in certain people.

Q:Anaphylaxis is a basic reaction to a simple allergen.

• True • False

Q:Anaphylaxis is a basic reaction to a simple allergen.

The correct answer is: • False

Explanation:

Anaphylaxis (anna-fill-ax-iss) is often triggered by substances that are injected or ingested and thereby gain access into the blood stream. An explosive reaction involving the skin, lungs, nose, throat, and gastrointestinal tract can then result. Although severe cases of anaphylaxis can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure and can be fatal if untreated, many reactions are milder and can be ended with prompt medical therapy.

Q:Which of the following are examples of indoor, outdoor, food and airborne allergens?

APeanuts, cockroach parts, eggs BMold spores, animal dander, pollen CSeafood, tomatoes, dust mites DAll of the above

Q:Which of the following are examples of indoor, outdoor, food and airborne allergens?

The correct answer is: D All of the above

Explanation:

A substance that is foreign to the body and can cause an allergic reaction in certain people. For examples, pollen, dander and mold. In adults, the most common foods that cause allergic reactions are shellfish, such as shrimp, crayfish, lobster, and crab; nuts from trees, such as walnuts; fish; eggs; and peanuts.

Q:The term allergic rhinitis is the proper medical term for "hay fever."

• True • False

Q:The term allergic rhinitis is the proper medical term for "hay fever."

The correct answer is: • True

Explanation:

The term "hay fever" is a misnomer. Hay is not a usual cause of this problem, and it does not cause fever. Early descriptions of sneezing, nasal congestion, and eye irritation while harvesting field hay promoted this popular term. Allergic rhinitis is the correct term used to describe this allergic reaction, and many different substances cause the allergic symptoms noted in hay fever.

Q:Which allergy medicine describes the class of drugs used as a treatment to an allergic reaction?

AHistamines BHistamine inhibitors CAntihistamines DAntimetabolites

Q:Which allergy medicine describes the class of drugs used as a treatment to an allergic reaction?

The correct answer is: C Antihistamines

Explanation:

Antihistamines are drugs that combat the histamine released during an allergic reaction by blocking the action of the histamine on the tissue. In other words, antihistamines do not stop the allergic reaction but protects the body from some allergic effects. Antihistamines frequently cause mouth dryness and sleepiness. Newer "non-sedating" antihistamines are generally thought to be somewhat less effective. Antihistamine side effects that very occasionally occur include urine retention in males and fast heart rate.

Q:Stinging insects can cause allergic reactions so severe, they kill this many Americans every year:

A30 B150 C500 D1,000

Q:Stinging insects can cause allergic reactions so severe, they kill this many Americans every year:

The correct answer is: B 150

Explanation:

When warmer weather arrives, it is time to think about the return of stinging insects. Over 2 million Americans are allergic to stinging insects. While the severity of these allergic reactions varies greatly, they cause up to 150 deaths each year in the U.S. alone.

Q:What causes "allergic salute?"

APersistent upward rubbing of the nose that leaves a crease BAn allergic reaction that causes the hands to swell CA & B DNone of the above

Q:What causes "allergic salute?"

The correct answer is: A Persistent upward rubbing of the nose that leaves a crease

Explanation:

Affecting the nose the "allergic salute" is one of seven symptoms of allergies from airborne substances and is often characteristic of a person suffering from allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Other allergy symptoms include sneezing often accompanies by a runny or clogged nose; coughing and postnasal drip; itchy eyes, nose and throat; allergic shiners (dark areas under the eyes).

Q:Allergies can cause conjunctivitis.

• True • False

Q:Allergies can cause conjunctivitis.

The correct answer is: • True

Explanation:

Inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eyes that is caused by allergy is referred to as allergic conjunctivitis. Eye allergies mainly involve the conjunctiva, the tissue lining (mucus membrane) covering the white surface of the eyeball and the inner folds of the eyelids. The conjunctiva is a barrier structure that is exposed to airborne particles of the environment. These particles can sometimes stimulate an allergic response in the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is rich in blood vessels and cells of the allergic response called mast cells (histamine-releasing cells).

Q:Which of these symptoms indicates a cold rather than an allergy?

AMucus with yellowish nasal discharge BSneezing more than twice in a row CLack of fever DAnaphylactic shock

Q:Which of these symptoms indicates a cold rather than an allergy?

The correct answer is: A Mucus with yellowish nasal discharge

Explanation:

Cold symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and congestion often appear one at a time. In allergy sufferers, these symptoms present at the same time and continue with exposure to the allergen. Sneezing is more common with allergies and can cause a person to sneeze multiple times in a row. Allergies tend to produce a clear, thin watery discharge. Colds can produce fever and yellowish thick discharge. Additionally, colds generally appear during the winter months, while allergies are more common in spring and fall.

Q:What is animal or pet dander?

AAnimal hair that has been shed BMicroscopic particles of skin CInvisible mites that live on animals DDust that has settled on animal skin

Q:What is animal or pet dander?

The correct answer is: B Microscopic particles of skin

Explanation:

Dander is comprised of tiny scales of skin shed from human or animal skin and hair. Dander floats in the air, settles on surfaces and makes up much of the dust found in any home. Cat dander is a classic cause of allergic reactions.

Q:Pollen can best be described as:

AA dry protein from trees, grass, flowers and weeds BA heavy, waxy substance carried by flying insects CA grainy, potent, histamine-producing allergy trigger DAll of the above

Q:Pollen can best be described as:

The correct answer is: D All of the above

Explanation:

Pollen is comprised of small, light, dry protein particles from trees, grasses, flowers, and weeds. Pollen is commonly spread by the wind. Most people have little contact with the large, heavy, waxy pollen grains of many flowering plants because this type of pollen is not carried by wind but by insects such as butterflies and bees. However, the light form of pollen can lodge in the mucus membranes that line the nose and in other parts of the respiratory tract, causing irritation and histamine allergic reactions.

Q:A person with a gluten allergy:

AReacts to the various salts found in many foods BMay also have celiac disease CIs allergic to the protein in wheat, rye and barley DB & C

Q:A person with a gluten allergy:

The correct answer is: D B & C

Explanation:

Gluten is the protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. It is a basic component of most of the grain-based products we eat, such as cereals, breads, and pasta. For those who are allergic to the substance, consuming gluten can result in abdominal pain, gas, bloating and diarrhea. More serious gluten intolerance is called celiac disease, which causes significant injury to the small bowel, particularly the duodenum.

Q:On average, how many Americans suffer from allergies?

A10% of Americans suffer from allergies B20% of Americans suffer from allergies C30% of Americans suffer from allergies D40-50% of Americans suffer from allergies

Q:On average, how many Americans suffer from allergies?

The correct answer is: B 20% of Americans suffer from allergies

Explanation:

At least one out of every 5 (20%) Americans suffers from allergies.

Q:How are allergies diagnosed?

ATrial and error with allergy medications BBlood tests CAllergy skin test DB & C

Q:How are allergies diagnosed?

The correct answer is: D B & C

Explanation:

Diagnosing allergies starts with a doctor's exam, however, allergy skin tests and blood tests are commonly used to identify the substances that are causing your allergy reactions.

Q:An allergic reaction can produce urticaria. A common term for urticaria is:

AAtopic dermatitis BEczema CFolliculitis DHives

Q:An allergic reaction can produce urticaria. A common term for urticaria is:

The correct answer is: D Hives

Explanation:

Urticaria is the medical term for hives. Raised, itchy areas of skin that are usually a sign of an allergic reaction. Hives can be rounded or flat-topped but are always elevated above the surrounding skin. Hives cause a local swelling of the skin. Hives are usually well-defined, but may bunch together. Hives will blanch with pressure.

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Reviewed by William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR on June 7, 2010

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MedicineNet: Allergy/Allergies <http://www.medicinenet.com/allergy/article.htm>

MedicineNet: Anaphylaxis (Severe Allergic Reaction) <http://www.medicinenet.com/anaphylaxis/article.htm>

MedicineNet: Indoor Allergens <http://www.medicinenet.com/indoor_allergens/article.htm>

MedicineNet: Food Allergy <http://www.medicinenet.com/food_allergy/article.htm>

MedicineNet: Hay Fever <http://www.medicinenet.com/hay_fever/article.htm>

Medterms: Antihistamines.

MedicineNet: Allergy to Stinging Insect�Can Be Life-Threatening <http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=46827>

MedicineNet: 7 Symptoms of Allergies from Airborne Substances<http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=22533>

MedicineNet: Eye Allergy (Allergic Eye Disease)<http://www.medicinenet.com/eye_allergy/article.htm>

WebMD the Magazine: January/February 2010; p. 87.

Medterms: Pollen.

MedicineNet: Pollen Allergy, What Is It? <http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=20277>

MedicineNet: Gluten Intolerance: Against the Grain <http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=63412>

WebMD.com: Allergy Health Center.

WebMD.com: Allergies Guide: Diagnosis & Tests.

Medterms: Urticaria.

This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information:

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the MedicineNet Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

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