A 10-year-old girl is brought to the office due to sneezing, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion and itching. The symptoms began 2 days ago after she arrived at a family farm for a summer vacation. The patient has spent a few days visiting the farm during previous summer seasons. She had no symptoms at her first visit 2 years ago but recalls having similar symptoms last year. She has had no respiratory symptoms while residing in another state the rest of the year. The patient has no prior medical conditions and takes no medications. On physical examination, the nasal turbinates are enlarged and bluish; clear rhinorrhea is present. Allergic response to a farm allergen is suspected. Which of the following processes most likely occurred during the first farm visit 2 years ago?

Question

A 10-year-old girl is brought to the office due to sneezing, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion and itching.  The symptoms began 2 days ago after she arrived at a family farm for a summer vacation.  The patient has spent a few days visiting the farm during previous summer seasons.  She had no symptoms at her first visit 2 years ago but recalls having similar symptoms last year.  She has had no respiratory symptoms while residing in another state the rest of the year.  The patient has no prior medical conditions and takes no medications.  On physical examination, the nasal turbinates are enlarged and bluish; clear rhinorrhea is present.  Allergic response to a farm allergen is suspected.  Which of the following processes most likely occurred during the first farm visit 2 years ago?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Sensitization to aeroallergens occurs when inhaled antigens induce T-helper (Th) cells to differentiate into Th2 cells.  Th2 cells then promote B-cell maturation and isotype class switching to IgE.

A 10-Year-Old Girl Is Brought to the Office Due to Sneezing