alarm reaction

reaction /re·ac·tion/ (-ak´shun)

1. opposite action, or counterreaction; the response to stimuli.

2. a phenomenon caused by the action of chemical agents; a chemical process in which one substance is transformed into another substance or other substances.

3. the mental and/or emotional state that develops in any particular situation.

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acrosome reaction  structural changes and liberation of acrosomal enzymes occurring in spermatozoa in the vicinity of an oocyte, facilitating entry into the oocyte.

alarm reaction  the physiologic effects (increase in blood pressure, cardiac output, blood flow to skeletal muscles, rate of glycolysis, and blood glucose concentration; decrease in blood flow to viscera) mediated by sympathetic nervous system discharge and release of adrenal medullary hormones in response to stress, fright, or rage.

allergic reaction  hypersensitivity r., sometimes specifically a type I hypersensitivity reaction.

anaphylactic reaction  anaphylaxis.

anaphylactoid reaction  one resembling generalized anaphylaxis but not caused by IgE-mediated allergic reaction.

antibody-mediated hypersensitivity reaction 

1. type II hypersensitivity r.; see Gell and Coombs classification, under classification.

2. occasionally, any hypersensitivity reaction in which antibodies are the primary mediators, i.e., types I–III.

antigen-antibody reaction  the reversible binding of antigen to homologous antibody by the formation of weak bonds between antigenic determinants on antigen molecules and antigen binding sites on immunoglobulin molecules.

anxiety reaction  a reaction characterized by abnormal apprehension or uneasiness; see also anxiety disorders, under disorder.

Arias-Stella reaction  nuclear and cellular hypertrophy of the endometrial epithelium, associated with ectopic pregnancy.

cell-mediated hypersensitivity reaction  type IV hypersensitivity r.; see Gell and Coombs classification, under classification.

conversion reaction  see under disorder.

cross reaction  the interaction of an antigen with an antibody formed against a different antigen with which the first antigen shares identical or closely related antigenic determinants.

cytotoxic hypersensitivity reaction  type II hypersensitivity r.; see Gell and Coombs classification, under classification.

defense reaction  see under mechanism.

delayed hypersensitivity reaction , delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction that taking 24 to 72 hours to develop and mediated by T lymphocytes rather than by antibodies; usually denoting the subset of type IV hypersensitivity reactions involving cytokine release and macrophage activation, as opposed to direct cytolysis, but sometimes used more broadly, even as a synonym for type IV hypersensitivity r. (see Gell and Coombs classification, under classification ).

reaction of degeneration  the reaction to electrical stimulation of muscles whose nerves have degenerated, consisting of loss of response to a faradic stimulation in a muscle, and to galvanic and faradic stimulation in the nerve.

foreign body reaction  a granulomatous inflammatory reaction evoked by the presence of exogenous material in the tissues, characterized by the formation of foreign body giant cells.

hemiopic pupillary reaction  in certain cases of hemianopia, light thrown upon one side of the retina causes the iris to contract, while light thrown upon the other side arouses no response.

Herxheimer's reaction  Jarisch-Herxheimer r.

hypersensitivity reaction  one in which the body mounts an exaggerated or inappropriate immune response to a substance perceived as foreign, resulting in local or general tissue damage. Such reactions are usually classified as types I–IV on the basis of the Gell and Coombs classification (q.v.).

id reaction  a secondary skin eruption occurring in sensitized patients as a result of circulation of allergenic products from a primary site of infection.

immediate hypersensitivity reaction 

1. type I hypersensitivity r.; see Gell and Coombs classification, under classification.

2. occasionally, any hypersensitivity reaction mediated by antibodies and developing rapidly, generally in minutes to hours (i.e., types I–III ), as distinguished from those mediated by T lymphocytes and macrophages and requiring days to develop (type IV, or delayed hypersensitivity r. ).

immune reaction  see under response.

immune complex–mediated hypersensitivity reaction  type III hypersensitivity r.; see Gell and Coombs classification, under classification.

Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction  a transient immunologic reaction following antibiotic treatment of early and later stages of syphilis and certain other diseases, marked by fever, chills, headache, myalgia, and exacerbation of cutaneous lesions; due to release of toxic or antigenic substances by the infecting microorganisms.

Jones-Mote reaction  a mild skin reaction of the delayed (type IV) hypersensitivity type occurring after challenge with protein antigens.

late phase reaction  an IgE-mediated immune reaction occurring 5 to 8 hours after exposure to antigen, after the wheal and flare reactions of immediate hypersensitivity have diminished, with inflammation peaking around 24 hours, and then subsiding.

lengthening reaction  reflex elongation of the extensor muscles which permits flexion of a limb.

leukemoid reaction  a peripheral blood picture resembling that of leukemia or indistinguishable from it on the basis of morphologic appearance alone; seen in certain infectious diseases, inflammatory conditions, and intoxications.

Neufeld's reaction  swelling of the capsules of pneumococci, seen under the microscope, on mixture with specific immune serum, owing to the binding of antibody with the capsular polysaccharide.

oxidation-reduction reaction  redox r.

Pirquet reaction  appearance of a papule with a red areola 24 to 48 hours after introduction of two small drops of Old tuberculin by slight scarification of the skin; a positive test indicates previous infection.

polymerase chain reaction  (PCR) a rapid technique for in vitro amplification of specific DNA or RNA sequences, allowing small quantities of short sequences to be analyzed without cloning.

precipitin reaction  the formation of an insoluble precipitate by reaction of antigen and antibody.

redox reaction  a reaction oxidizing one substrate while reducing another.

Schultz-Charlton reaction  disappearance of scarlet fever rash around the site of an injection of scarlet fever antitoxin.

serum reaction  seroreaction.

startle reaction  the various psychophysiological phenomena, including involuntary motor and autonomic reactions, evidenced by an individual in reaction to a sudden, unexpected stimulus, as a loud noise.

stress reaction  any physiological or psychological reaction to physical, mental, or emotional stress that disturbs the organism's homeostasis.

T cell–mediated hypersensitivity reaction  type IV hypersensitivity r.; see Gell and Coombs classification, under classification.

Weil-Felix reaction  agglutination by blood serum of typhus patients of a bacillus of the proteus group from the urine and feces.

Wernicke's reaction  hemiopic pupillary r.

wheal and erythema reaction , wheal and flare reaction a cutaneous sensitivity reaction to skin injury or administration of antigen, due to histamine production and marked by edematous elevation and erythematous flare.

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a·larm reaction (-lärm)

n.

The initial stage in the body's response to stressful stimuli, characterized by adaptive physiological changes, such as increased hormonal activity and increased heart rate.

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alarm reaction,

the first stage of the general adaptation syndrome. It is characterized by the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) by the pituitary gland and of epinephrine by the adrenal medulla, which cause increased blood glucose levels and a faster respiration rate, increasing the oxygen level of the blood. These actions provide the body with increased energy for dealing with stress.

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reaction (rēak´shn),

n opposite action, or counteraction; the response of a part to stimulation; a chemical process in which one substance is transformed into another substance or substances.

reaction, acute dystonic

n extreme contraction of the jaw muscles, which can result in dislocation of the jaw bones and difficulty in opening the oral cavity. These symptoms may be caused by an adverse reaction to an antipsychotic drug.

reaction, alarm,

n the first stage of the general adaptation syndrome of Hans Selye; occurs in response to severe physical and psychologic distress. Complete mobilization of body resources occurs in association with activity of the pituitary and adrenal glands and the sympathetic nervous system. See also syndrome, general adaptation.

reaction, anaphylactoid

n a reaction that resembles anaphylactic shock; probably caused by the liberation of histamine, serotonin, or other substances as a consequence of the injection of colloids or finely suspended material.

reaction, Arthus',

n.pr See anaphylactic hypersensitivity.

reaction, heterophil

n a heterophil agglutination test that measures the agglutination of the red blood cells of sheep by the serum of patients with infectious mononucleosis.

reaction, -id,

secondary skin eruptions occurring at a distance from the primary lesion (e.g., tuberculid).

reaction, immune,

n altered reactivity of the tissues to a foreign substance that was previously introduced into the body or in contact with it.

reaction, leukemoid

n an increase in normal or abnormal white blood cells in nonleukemic conditions; simulates myelogenous, lymphatic, and rarely, monocytic leukemia.

reaction, Shwartzman,

n.pr an antigen AB local tissue response that occurs when an intravenous injection or challenge of a bacterial endotoxin that had previously been inoculated intradermally results in a hemorrhagic, often necrotic inflammatory lesion.

reaction, tissue,

n the response of tissues to altered conditions.

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alarm reaction

the response of the sympathetic nervous system either to physical stress or to a strong emotional state. Called also stress reaction and fight or flight reaction. It is an automatic and instantaneous response that increases the body's capability to cope with a sudden emergency.

The physiological changes occurring during this reaction increase physical strength and mental activity. The blood pressure is elevated, the blood glucose level is raised for additional energy, the blood coagulates more readily, and the flow of blood to muscles needed for activity is increased, while those organs not needed for fight or flight receive a diminished blood supply. One of the most striking manifestations of this reaction is the involution of lymphoid tissues due to the action of adrenal hormones.

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Patient discussion about alarm reaction.

Q. How do you wake up in the morning if your narcolepsy is so severe you can't hear the alarm clock, phone ring? biggest problem is sleep paralysis, can't wake up. Late for work, everything, life is suffering because of severity. Have tried ritalin, natural supplements, hypnosis therapy, Provigal, antidepressants, nothing seems to work. Employer thinks it's an excuse, friends are irritated, I'm at my wits end. Life is spent sleeping more than awake.

A. Narcolepsy cannot yet be cured. But EDS and cataplexy, the most disabling symptoms of the disorder, can be controlled in most patients with drug treatment. Often the treatment regimen is modified as symptoms change. For decades, doctors have used central nervous system stimulants-amphetamines such as methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, methamphetamine, and pemoline-to alleviate EDS and reduce the incidence of sleep attacks. For most patients these medications are generally quite effective at reducing daytime drowsiness and improving levels of alertness. However, they are associated with a wide array of undesirable side effects so their use must be carefully monitored. Common side effects include irritability and nervousness, shakiness, disturbances in heart rhythm, stomach upset, nighttime sleep disruption, and anorexia. For full article: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/narcolepsy/detail_narcolepsy.htm#120393201 Hope this helps.

Q. I wish to know the alarming signs in pregnancy that require immediate attention. I am pregnant and in my 2 week. As a precautionary measure, I wish to know the alarming signs in pregnancy that require immediate attention.

A. here are some major ones- Vaginal Bleeding, Cramping (in the second and third trimester, in the first it's normal to have slight cramps), Severe Headaches (long lasting headaches are one of the early signs of preeclampsia), Blurred Vision (another sign of preeclampsia),cannot feel the baby move after about week 16 to 20 pregnancy.

Q. is there cause for alarm if i have a white thick discharge?

A. Hello, ruffdee, if the discharge is white, and NOT causing any itchy feeling, burn sensation, and not smelly, it probably still is in normal range.
But once you feel itchy, burning, its color turns yellowish or greenish, and it has bad smell, it might be a sign for an infection, and it is recommended then you to find a doctor to get the specific therapy to cure the infection.
"Stay healthy always.."