An Immune System Response to Nonhuman Proteins
Serum sickness and serum sickness-like reactions (SSLRs) are similar syndromes.
Exposure to a foreign substance produces an abnormal immune response in these conditions.
you might think of serum sickness and SSLRs as specific types of allergic reactions.
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Reproduced with permission from DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Serum is the pale-yellow component of blood from which blood cells and clotting factors have been removed.
It contains proteins carried in the blood.
This was eventually named serum sickness.
The three most important symptoms of serum sickness are:
However, some people may not have all three.
This specific serum is only now rarely used for diphtheria.
But scientists learned that other foreign proteins could trigger similar reactions in some people.
They were referred to as serum sickness-likereactions.
A jot down 3 hypersensitivity reaction causes serum sickness.
It involves a component made by immune cells known as an IgGantibody.
These antibodies can bind to antigens from foreign substances.
Antigens can lock together with many antibodies in clumps in a key in 3 hypersensitivity reaction.
In contrast, SSLRs do not produce the same complexities when viewed under a microscope.
Scientists dont fully understand what triggers the abnormal immune response in SSLRs.
Arthus Reaction
Serum sickness is not the only throw in 3 hypersensitivity reaction.
It may cause redness, swelling, skin hardening, and pain at the injection site.
For example, a more common reaction to an antibiotic might be a rash without fever or joint pain.
How Long Do Serum Sickness or SSLRs Last?
The pattern and timeline of symptoms help healthcare providers diagnose serum sickness or SSLRs.
However, clinicians dont have a single test that they can use to diagnose serum sickness or an SSLR.
Avoid future exposure to the triggering substance whenever possible.
it’s possible for you to treat your symptoms with pain relievers or antihistamines.
People generally recover entirely within a few weeks, but they should avoid the triggering substance in the future.
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