Reference no: EM133421652

A 12-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department after being stung by a bee. He had been well until he was stung on his right forearm, while playing in the yard. He initially complained of localized pain and swelling. Fifteen minutes later, he began to complain of shortness of breath. His parents observed him to be wheezing. He also said that he felt very weak and dizzy. His parents brought him immediately to the local emergency department. Exam: Vital signs: Temp: 37.1, Pulse: 120, Respirations 39/min, BP 69/45. He is in mild respiratory distress. He is drowsy and pale, but awakens when you talk to him. He has generalized urticaria. He has no conjunctival edema. His lips and tongue are not swollen. His voice sounds normal. Heart tachycardic without murmurs. His lung examination shows mild wheezing and fair aeration with minimal retractions. His abdomen is soft and non-tender. His face is moderately pale. The bee sting site on his right forearm is unremarkable with no foreign body seen.

1. What other condition(s) may cause similar reactions?

2. Which type of hypersensitivity is this? Explain the reaction in this case.

3. What is the principle antibody in this reaction?

4. Explain the mechanisms causing the signs and symptoms of this type.