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Case History - Section 2
Atopy
Atopy is best defined as a personal and/or familial tendency, usually in childhood or adolescence, to become sensitized and produce IgE antibodies in response to ordinary exposure to low doses of allergens, usually proteins. As a consequence, atopic individuals can develop typical symptoms of allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis, or atopic eczema/atopic dermatitis.
Family History
Both of James's parents are atopic and his mother suffered from atopic eczema.
His father suffered from childhood asthma and continues with allergic rhinitis.
James's mother is now pregnant with her second child.
Examination
At the time of presentation, James has severe generalised atopic eczema with serous exudation and secondary infection.
His growth and development were normal for his age and examination of the respiratory system revealed no abnormalities.
Q1. What best predicts the development of allergy in the presence of a parental history similar to that of James?
Select the answer that is correct:
- High total IgE concentration in cord blood or infants' serum is a specific and sensitive marker for subsequent allergic disease
- Respiratory symptoms in infancy are a strong predictor for allergic disease later in life
- Family history, taken by an experienced clinician, is the most helpful identifier of children at increased risk of the development of allergy and asthma
- The risk of developing allergic disease in a particular organ is not related to a family history of that disease
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