The eye, nose, and throat are often sites of allergic reactions to airborne and food antigens. Hay fever is the most clear-cut case of allergy. Inhaled allergens such as grass pollen, meets antibody-coated mast cells waiting in the mucosal surface of the nose. A typical hay fever attack includes sneezing, nose itching and nose congestion.

A similar reaction in the throat produces soreness, mucus flow, swelling, and difficulty in swallowing and breathing (pharyngitis, laryngitis). A similar reaction in the lungs produces cough, mucus obstruction to airflow, and asthmatic wheezing (bronchitis, asthmatic bronchitis). This immediate allergic response can activate delayed cell-mediated immune activity which extends the disease from hours to days. Repeated antigenic stimulus then prolongs tissue inflammatory events toward chronic disease.

Airway

Air enters the body through the nose and mouth. The nose cleans, warms and humidifies inspired air. Air entering the mouth is less effectively cleaned. Inspired air then travels through the pharynx (throat) and enters the trachea.

The pharynx spits into two tubes, the trachea in the front and the oesophagus in the rear. Breathing and swallowing compete for the pharyngeal space. If food is inhaled by mistake, the airway is blocked. Vigorous coughing can clear the airway, but a stubborn obstruction can end life unless a good Samaritan intervenes with the Heimlich manoeuvre. By vigorously compressing the upper abdomen, air is forced from the lungs. In the best case, a tracheal obstruction is cleared. As long as food and beverages move to the rear and descend in the oesophagus, the airway remains secure.

In emergency medicine the upper airway is the first concern. You learn to assess and clear the airway of a patient first, then confirm breathing, then confirm cardiac status-- check heart beat and blood pressure.  The airway can be obstructed in many ways and must be clear before a life can be saved. Securing the airway is done with suction to clear liquids that accumulate in the pharynx and by plastic tubes that connect the outside air with the trachea. If the upper airway is damaged or cannot be secured. A tube is inserted into the trachea below the larynx to allow air flow directly into the lungs.  

Learn More About

Allergic Eye Symptoms
Hay Fever & Airborne Allergy
Asthma
Antihistamines
Otitis Media

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	Managing Food Allergy
	Immunology Notes
	Alpha Nutrition Program