Dyspnea

Definition

Dyspnea is the medical term for shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. It is often a symptom associated with various underlying conditions including hypersensitivity reactions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dyspnea can be caused by Type I hypersensitivity reactions such as anaphylaxis, where rapid immune response results in airway constriction.
2. In severe cases of asthma, which is a Type I hypersensitivity, dyspnea occurs due to inflammation and narrowing of the airways.
3. Dyspnea can also be observed in Type II hypersensitivity reactions, particularly those involving autoimmune diseases that affect lung tissues.
4. Type III hypersensitivity reactions can lead to dyspnea if immune complexes deposit in lung tissues and cause inflammation.
5. Management of dyspnea in the context of hypersensitivities often involves treating the underlying immune response with medications like antihistamines or corticosteroids.

Review Questions

• What types of hypersensitivity reactions are most commonly associated with dyspnea?
• How does anaphylaxis lead to dyspnea?
• What treatments are typically used to manage dyspnea in patients experiencing hypersensitivity reactions?

Related terms

Anaphylaxis:

A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause airway constriction and dyspnea.

Asthma: A chronic inflammatory disease of the airways often triggered by allergens leading to episodes of dyspnea.

Immune Complexes: Aggregations of antigens and antibodies that can deposit in tissues causing inflammation and symptoms such as dyspnea.