Allergy Medicine Course

Lesson 1 • What Is an Allergen

Defines allergens as antigens that trigger hypersensitivity and distinguishes them from general irritants. Establishes the vocabulary used throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Classification of Hypersensitivity Reactions

Presents the Gell and Coombs classification of Types I–IV hypersensitivity. Enables accurate categorisation of allergic and immune-mediated conditions.

Lesson 3 • Immune System Basics for Allergy

Covers innate and adaptive immunity relevant to allergic reactions. Provides the biological framework needed to understand hypersensitivity mechanisms.

Lesson 1 • Drug and Latex Allergens

Analyses allergenic drugs, latex proteins, and their clinical significance. Supports safe prescribing and occupational exposure management.

Lesson 2 • Food Allergens

Covers the major food allergen groups, their proteins, and cross-reactive families. Directly supports clinical recognition and dietary counselling.

Lesson 3 • Inhalant and Environmental Allergens

Describes pollen, dust mites, mould spores, and animal dander as aeroallergens. Links seasonal and perennial exposure patterns to clinical presentation.

Lesson 4 • Occupational Allergens

Surveys high-molecular-weight and low-molecular-weight occupational allergens. Connects workplace exposure to occupational asthma and contact dermatitis.

Lesson 1 • Anaphylaxis Pathophysiology

Analyses the systemic mediator cascade causing anaphylaxis and cardiovascular collapse. Provides the mechanistic basis for emergency treatment decisions.

Lesson 2 • Sensitisation Phase Mechanisms

Details antigen uptake, dendritic cell processing, and Th2 polarisation leading to IgE production. Establishes the molecular basis for subsequent allergen re-exposure.

Lesson 3 • Non-IgE Immune Mechanisms in Allergy

Covers T-cell-mediated, immune complex, and mixed mechanisms underlying eczema and drug reactions. Broadens understanding beyond classic IgE-mediated allergy.

Lesson 4 • Late-Phase and Chronic Inflammation

Examines eosinophil recruitment, cytokine amplification, and tissue remodelling in chronic allergy. Explains why symptoms persist beyond the early phase.

Lesson 1 • Allergic Asthma

Covers allergen-triggered bronchoconstriction, asthma phenotypes, and severity classification. Prepares students to identify asthma as an allergic disease.

Lesson 2 • Atopic Dermatitis and Urticaria

Examines skin barrier dysfunction, itch-scratch cycles, and urticaria classification. Links cutaneous allergy to systemic immune dysregulation.

Lesson 3 • Allergic Rhinitis and Conjunctivitis

Describes nasal and ocular symptoms, triggers, and classification by duration and severity. Connects symptom patterns to allergen exposure timing.

Lesson 4 • Anaphylaxis Recognition and Grading

Defines anaphylaxis diagnostic criteria, grading systems, and differential diagnoses. Ensures rapid and accurate identification in clinical settings.

Lesson 1 • Patient History and Clinical Interview

Structures the allergy-focused history including exposure, timing, and symptom patterns. Establishes history-taking as the cornerstone of allergy diagnosis.

Lesson 2 • Provocation and Challenge Testing

Details oral food challenges, bronchial provocation, and drug challenge protocols. Addresses when and how to confirm or exclude allergy definitively.

Lesson 3 • In Vitro Allergy Testing

Explains serum total IgE, specific IgE, and component-resolved diagnostics. Connects laboratory results to clinical sensitisation profiles.

Lesson 4 • Skin Testing Methods

Covers skin prick, intradermal, and patch testing techniques, controls, and interpretation. Provides hands-on procedural knowledge for in-vivo allergen testing.

Lesson 1 • Antihistamines: Mechanisms and Use

Covers H1 and H2 receptor antagonists, first- vs. second-generation agents, and clinical indications. Enables rational antihistamine selection for different allergic presentations.

Lesson 2 • Corticosteroids in Allergy Treatment

Examines intranasal, inhaled, topical, and systemic corticosteroids and their anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Guides appropriate route and duration selection.

Lesson 3 • Epinephrine and Anaphylaxis Treatment

Details epinephrine pharmacology, auto-injector use, and adjunct therapies for anaphylaxis. Ensures competency in the first-line emergency treatment of anaphylaxis.

Lesson 4 • Biologics and Targeted Therapies

Introduces monoclonal antibodies targeting IgE, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 pathways. Prepares students to identify candidates for biologic therapy.

Lesson 1 • Venom Immunotherapy

Details venom immunotherapy indications, extract selection, and duration for Hymenoptera allergy. Prepares students to manage venom-allergic patients comprehensively.

Lesson 2 • Mechanisms of Immunotherapy

Explains immune tolerance induction, regulatory T-cell expansion, and IgG4 blocking antibody production. Provides the scientific rationale for immunotherapy efficacy.

Lesson 3 • Oral Immunotherapy for Food Allergy

Covers OIT protocols for peanut, milk, and egg allergy, including desensitisation vs. tolerance. Addresses the evolving evidence base and patient management challenges.

Lesson 4 • Subcutaneous Immunotherapy Protocols

Covers extract preparation, build-up and maintenance phases, and reaction management for SCIT. Enables safe administration and monitoring of subcutaneous immunotherapy.

Lesson 1 • Allergy in Elderly Patients

Examines immunosenescence, polypharmacy interactions, and atypical allergy presentations in older adults. Adapts diagnostic and treatment approaches for ageing physiology.

Lesson 2 • Allergy During Pregnancy

Covers safe medication use, immunotherapy continuation, and anaphylaxis management in pregnancy. Ensures maternal and foetal safety during allergic disease treatment.

Lesson 3 • Allergy in Paediatric Patients

Addresses age-specific allergen sensitisation, diagnostic challenges, and treatment modifications in children. Connects developmental immunology to clinical decision-making.

Lesson 4 • Perioperative Allergy and Drug Hypersensitivity

Covers perioperative anaphylaxis triggers, neuromuscular blocking agent allergy, and premedication strategies. Prepares students to manage surgical allergy risk.