Great. Below is a complete detailed notes set for 30 important allergy and infection-related systemic diseases, usable for both pediatric and all-age clinical practice.
I structured each disease with:
- Key findings
- Investigations
- RBC/WBC/Platelet pattern
- Differential diagnosis
- Treatment
- Contraindications
- ICU management
- OPD prescription approach
- Nutrition advice
- Flow of diagnosis summary
1) Allergic Rhinitis
Findings: Sneezing, watery rhinorrhea, nasal itching, congestion, pale boggy turbinates, allergic shiners.
Investigations: Clinical diagnosis, absolute eosinophil count, serum IgE (supportive), skin prick test if needed.
RBC/WBC/Platelet: RBC normal; mild eosinophilia; platelets normal.
Differential: Viral rhinitis, sinusitis, non-allergic rhinitis, adenoid hypertrophy (children).
Treatment: Allergen avoidance, intranasal corticosteroid, oral/non-sedating antihistamine, saline irrigation.
Contraindications: Prolonged topical decongestant use (>5 days), sedating antihistamines in school children/elderly fall risk.
ICU: Not usually required.
OPD Rx: Cetirizine/levocetirizine + fluticasone nasal spray + saline wash.
Nutrition: Hydration, avoid known food triggers if proven.
Flow summary: Typical symptoms → exam → trial therapy → persistent cases allergy testing.
2) Acute Urticaria
Findings: Transient itchy wheals, may have angioedema.
Investigations: Usually clinical; CBC if infection suspected.
RBC/WBC/Platelet: Usually normal; eosinophilia possible.
Differential: Drug rash, urticarial vasculitis, scabies, anaphylaxis.
Treatment: Non-sedating antihistamines (up-titrate if needed), short steroid course if severe.
Contraindications: NSAIDs if trigger, unnecessary long steroid use.
ICU: If airway edema/anaphylaxis.
OPD Rx: Fexofenadine/levocetirizine ± short prednisolone.
Nutrition: Avoid confirmed triggers only.
Flow: Wheals <24 h each lesion → exclude anaphylaxis → antihistamine response.
3) Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria
Findings: Wheals/angioedema >6 weeks.
Investigations: CBC, ESR/CRP, TSH as baseline; extensive tests only if red flags.
RBC/WBC/Platelet: Usually normal.
Differential: Urticarial vasculitis, autoimmune disease, mastocytosis.
Treatment: High-dose second-generation antihistamine; omalizumab/cyclosporine refractory.
Contraindications: Chronic systemic steroids.
ICU: Rare, except severe angioedema airway risk.
OPD Rx: Up-dosed antihistamine regimen with step-up plan.
Nutrition: Pseudoallergen-reduced diet trial in select patients.
Flow: Duration >6 weeks → screen for warning signs → stepwise antihistamine escalation.
4) Atopic Dermatitis
Findings: Pruritus, eczematous lesions, xerosis, flexural pattern.
Investigations: Clinical; IgE not mandatory.
RBC/WBC/Platelet: Eosinophilia may occur; others normal.
Differential: Scabies, seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, psoriasis.
Treatment: Emollients, topical steroids/calcineurin inhibitors, trigger control, infection treatment if secondary impetigo.
Contraindications: Potent steroid misuse on face/folds, unnecessary food restriction.
ICU: Severe erythroderma/sepsis complications only.
OPD Rx: Emollient frequent + mild/moderate topical steroid + antihistamine for itch sleep.
Nutrition: Balanced diet; eliminate foods only if proven allergy.
Flow: Chronic itchy eczema + distribution → severity grading → skin barrier + anti-inflammatory plan.
5) Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Findings: Pruritic eczematous rash at contact area.
Investigations: Patch testing (chronic/recurrent).
RBC/WBC/Platelet: Usually normal.
Differential: Irritant dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, fungal infection.
Treatment: Avoid allergen, topical steroids, emollients.
Contraindications: Continued exposure to culprit chemical/metal/cosmetic.
ICU: Not needed.
OPD Rx: Topical steroid + emollient + avoidance list.
Nutrition: No specific unless contact-food cross reactions suspected.
Flow: Pattern by exposure site → remove trigger → improve confirms diagnosis.
6) Drug Hypersensitivity Rash
Findings: Maculopapular rash, itching, fever ± eosinophilia.
Investigations: Timeline correlation, CBC/LFT/RFT; severe forms need urgent evaluation.
RBC/WBC/Platelet: Eosinophilia possible; severe reactions may show cytopenias.
Differential: Viral exanthem, urticaria, SJS/TEN, DRESS.
Treatment: Stop culprit drug, antihistamines, steroids when indicated.
Contraindications: Rechallenge with severe culprit drug.
ICU: SJS/TEN, DRESS with organ dysfunction.
OPD Rx: Drug stop note + antihistamine ± steroid taper.
Nutrition: Hydration, protein support in severe skin loss.
Flow: New drug exposure + rash timing → classify severity → stop drug.
7) Anaphylaxis
Findings: Rapid skin/mucosal symptoms + respiratory compromise/hypotension/GI symptoms.
Investigations: Clinical emergency; serum tryptase (supportive, not for delay).
RBC/WBC/Platelet: Non-specific acute changes.
Differential: Vasovagal syncope, panic attack, asthma attack, septic shock.
Treatment: IM adrenaline first-line, oxygen, IV fluids, adjunct antihistamine/steroid/bronchodilator.
Contraindications: Delayed adrenaline, IV bolus adrenaline outside monitored setting.
ICU: Refractory shock, airway edema, biphasic reaction risk.
OPD Rx: Epinephrine auto-injector education, trigger avoidance, allergy referral.
Nutrition: Strict avoidance of proven food trigger.
Flow: Recognize criteria fast → IM adrenaline immediately → observe 4–24 h.
8) Allergic Asthma
Findings: Episodic wheeze, cough, chest tightness, variable airflow limitation.
Investigations: Spirometry with bronchodilator reversibility, eosinophils, FeNO (if available).
RBC/WBC/Platelet: Eosinophilia possible.
Differential: COPD, bronchiolitis (child), vocal cord dysfunction, heart failure.
Treatment: ICS-based controller, SABA reliever, step-up LABA/LTRA/biologics.
Contraindications: LABA without ICS; overuse SABA alone.
ICU: Severe status asthmaticus, respiratory failure.
OPD Rx: ICS-formoterol or ICS + SABA with action plan.
Nutrition: Weight optimization, avoid sulfite triggers if sensitive.
Flow: Symptom pattern + spirometry variability → control assessment → step therapy.
9) Acute Viral URI (Common Cold)
Findings: Rhinorrhea, sore throat, mild fever, cough.
Investigations: Clinical only in most.
RBC/WBC/Platelet: Often normal or mild lymphocytosis.
Differential: Influenza, bacterial sinusitis, COVID-like illness.
Treatment: Supportive (fluids, antipyretic, saline).
Contraindications: Routine antibiotics.
ICU: Not typical.
OPD Rx: Paracetamol + saline + hydration advice.
Nutrition: Warm fluids, regular diet.
Flow: Mild upper respiratory symptoms, no red flags → symptomatic care.
10) Acute Bacterial Sinusitis
Findings: Persistent purulent nasal discharge, facial pain, fever >10 days or worsening pattern.
Investigations: Clinical; imaging only in complications.
RBC/WBC/Platelet: Neutrophilic leukocytosis possible.
Differential: Viral rhinitis, dental infection, migraine.
Treatment: Amoxicillin-clavulanate first-line in moderate/severe.
Contraindications: Unnecessary CT in uncomplicated cases.
ICU: Orbital/intracranial complications.
OPD Rx: Amox-clav + analgesic + saline spray.
Nutrition: Hydration.
Flow: Duration/severity criteria met → antibiotic selection.
11) Acute Otitis Media
Findings: Ear pain, fever, bulging tympanic membrane, irritability in children.
Investigations: Otoscopy diagnosis.
RBC/WBC/Platelet: Mild neutrophilia possible.
Differential: Otitis externa, teething pain, referred throat pain.
Treatment: Analgesia ± antibiotics per age/severity.
Contraindications: Unnecessary broad-spectrum antibiotic use.
ICU: Mastoiditis/intracranial spread.
OPD Rx: Amoxicillin + paracetamol/ibuprofen.
Nutrition: Fluids, continue feeding in children.
Flow: Otoscopy-confirmed middle ear inflammation → pain control ± antibiotics.
12) Streptococcal Pharyngitis
Findings: Fever, sore throat, tonsillar exudate, tender anterior cervical nodes, no cough.
Investigations: Rapid antigen test/throat culture.
RBC/WBC/Platelet: Neutrophilic leukocytosis possible.
Differential: Viral pharyngitis, infectious mononucleosis, diphtheria.
Treatment: Penicillin/amoxicillin.
Contraindications: Empirical antibiotics without clinical/risk criteria in all cases.
ICU: Rare complications (airway compromise, sepsis).
OPD Rx: Penicillin/amoxicillin + antipyretic.
Nutrition: Soft warm diet, hydration.
Flow: Clinical score → confirmatory test where available → narrow-spectrum antibiotic.
13) Influenza
Findings: Sudden fever, myalgia, headache, dry cough.
Investigations: RT-PCR/rapid antigen in high-risk/hospitalized.
RBC/WBC/Platelet: Leukopenia possible; platelets mild low occasionally.
Differential: COVID-like viral illness, dengue (in endemic zones), bacterial pneumonia.
Treatment: Oseltamivir in high-risk/early severe; supportive care.
Contraindications: Delayed antiviral in high-risk severe cases.
ICU: Hypoxemia, ARDS, shock.
OPD Rx: Oseltamivir (eligible cases) + symptomatic meds.
Nutrition: High-fluid, high-calorie as tolerated.
Flow: Seasonal pattern + acute systemic symptoms → test high-risk → antiviral early.
14) COVID-like Viral Pneumonitis
Findings: Fever, cough, dyspnea, hypoxia, fatigue.
Investigations: Viral PCR/antigen, CBC, CRP, D-dimer (severity), CXR/CT if needed.
RBC/WBC/Platelet: Lymphopenia common; platelets low-normal.
Differential: Influenza, bacterial CAP, pulmonary edema.
Treatment: Oxygen strategy, steroids in hypoxic patients, antivirals per protocol, thromboprophylaxis selected cases.
Contraindications: Steroids in non-hypoxic mild disease (routine use).
ICU: ARDS protocol, prone ventilation, organ support.
OPD Rx: Symptomatic, pulse-ox monitoring, danger signs counseling.
Nutrition: Protein-rich, hydration, micronutrient adequacy.
Flow: Confirm infection → classify severity → home vs hospital pathway.
15) Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Findings: Fever, cough, tachypnea, crackles, pleuritic pain.
Investigations: CBC, CRP/procalcitonin, chest X-ray, cultures if severe.
RBC/WBC/Platelet: Neutrophilic leukocytosis common; severe sepsis may reduce platelets.
Differential: TB, PE, heart failure, viral LRTI.
Treatment: Empirical antibiotics by severity/comorbidity; oxygen/fluids.
Contraindications: Delayed first antibiotic dose in severe pneumonia.
ICU: Septic shock, respiratory failure.
OPD Rx: Oral amoxicillin/macrolide depending guideline profile.
Nutrition: High-protein soft diet, hydration.
Flow: Clinical + radiology → severity score → OPD/inpatient/ICU decision.
16) Bronchiolitis (Pediatric)
Findings: Infant with coryza, wheeze/crackles, feeding difficulty, tachypnea.
Investigations: Mainly clinical, pulse oximetry.
RBC/WBC/Platelet: Viral pattern, often non-specific.
Differential: Asthma, foreign body aspiration, pneumonia, CHD failure.
Treatment: Oxygen if hypoxic, hydration, nasal suction.
Contraindications: Routine antibiotics/steroids/bronchodilators.
ICU: Apnea, severe distress, fatigue.
OPD Rx: Supportive care instructions.
Nutrition: Small frequent feeds, NG support if needed.
Flow: Typical infant viral LRTI features → severity-based supportive care.
17) Pertussis
Findings: Paroxysmal cough, inspiratory whoop, post-tussive vomiting.
Investigations: PCR/culture early phase, CBC lymphocytosis.
RBC/WBC/Platelet: Marked lymphocytosis classic.
Differential: Viral cough illness, bronchiolitis, asthma.
Treatment: Macrolide, isolation, prophylaxis for contacts.
Contraindications: Delayed treatment in infants/high-risk contacts.
ICU: Infant apnea/hypoxia.
OPD Rx: Azithromycin regimen + family prophylaxis plan.
Nutrition: Small feeds to reduce vomiting risk.
Flow: Prolonged paroxysmal cough pattern → test/treat and contact control.
18) Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Findings: Chronic cough, fever, weight loss, night sweats, pediatric failure to thrive/exposure history.
Investigations: Sputum/GeneXpert, CXR, TST/IGRA supportive.
RBC/WBC/Platelet: Anemia of chronic disease, ESR elevated; platelets may rise reactively.
Differential: Malignancy, fungal disease, chronic pneumonia.
Treatment: Standard multi-drug anti-TB regimen by national protocol.
Contraindications: Monotherapy, irregular adherence.
ICU: Massive hemoptysis, respiratory failure, CNS TB complications.
OPD Rx: Fixed-dose ATT + adherence and toxicity counseling.
Nutrition: High-calorie high-protein, micronutrient correction.
Flow: Clinical suspicion + microbiological confirmation → drug-sensitive/resistant pathway.
19) Acute Gastroenteritis (Infective)
Findings: Diarrhea ± vomiting, dehydration signs.
Investigations: Usually clinical; stool tests if severe/persistent/bloody.
RBC/WBC/Platelet: Hemoconcentration if dehydration; WBC variable.
Differential: Surgical abdomen, UTI (child), food intolerance, IBD flare.
Treatment: ORS, zinc (children), IV fluids if severe, selective antibiotics.
Contraindications: Antimotility drugs in young children/dysentery.
ICU: Shock, severe electrolyte derangement.
OPD Rx: ORS + zinc + probiotic selected + warning signs.
Nutrition: Continue feeding, avoid prolonged fasting.
Flow: Assess dehydration first → rehydration plan A/B/C.
20) Enteric Fever (Typhoid)
Findings: Prolonged fever, abdominal pain, coated tongue, hepatosplenomegaly.
Investigations: Blood culture early, CBC, LFT.
RBC/WBC/Platelet: Leukopenia or normal WBC; mild thrombocytopenia possible.
Differential: Malaria, dengue, TB, viral hepatitis.
Treatment: Ceftriaxone/azithromycin per sensitivity and severity.
Contraindications: Inappropriate empirical multi-antibiotic combinations.
ICU: Shock, encephalopathy, GI perforation/bleeding.
OPD Rx: Oral azithromycin where appropriate + hydration + review.
Nutrition: Soft high-calorie diet, hydration.
Flow: Persistent febrile illness + culture/supported diagnosis → targeted antibiotic.
21) Cholera
Findings: Profuse watery diarrhea, severe dehydration, leg cramps.
Investigations: Clinical in outbreaks; stool culture for confirmation/surveillance.
RBC/WBC/Platelet: Hemoconcentration; WBC variable.
Differential: Other secretory diarrheas, food poisoning.
Treatment: Rapid rehydration (ORS/RL), zinc in children, antibiotics shorten duration.
Contraindications: Delay in fluid replacement.
ICU: Refractory shock, severe electrolyte imbalance.
OPD Rx: ORS intensive plan + doxycycline/azithro per protocol.
Nutrition: Early feeding after rehydration.
Flow: Rice-water stool + dehydration severity → immediate fluid protocol.
22) Urinary Tract Infection / Pyelonephritis
Findings: Fever, dysuria, frequency; in infants nonspecific fever/poor feeding.
Investigations: Urinalysis, urine culture, renal imaging selected pediatric/recurrent cases.
RBC/WBC/Platelet: Leukocytosis in pyelonephritis; anemia usually absent.
Differential: Vulvovaginitis, STI, appendicitis, renal stones.
Treatment: Oral/IV antibiotics based on severity; hydration.
Contraindications: Starting antibiotics before proper urine sample (when feasible).
ICU: Urosepsis, obstructive pyonephrosis.
OPD Rx: Culture-guided oral antibiotic + hydration + follow-up culture if indicated.
Nutrition: Fluids, bowel regularity support.
Flow: Urine sample → empiric therapy → culture-adjusted treatment.
23) Cellulitis
Findings: Localized erythema, warmth, tenderness, swelling ± fever.
Investigations: Clinical; CBC/CRP, blood culture if systemic toxicity.
RBC/WBC/Platelet: Neutrophilic leukocytosis.
Differential: DVT, contact dermatitis, necrotizing fasciitis, gout.
Treatment: Anti-streptococcal/anti-staphylococcal antibiotics, elevation.
Contraindications: Missing necrotizing soft tissue infection signs.
ICU: Sepsis, necrotizing infection.
OPD Rx: Oral cephalexin/amox-clav (local guidance) + review 48 h.
Nutrition: Protein support for wound healing.
Flow: Local inflammation + systemic assessment → oral vs IV therapy decision.
24) Impetigo
Findings: Honey-colored crusted lesions, common in children.
Investigations: Clinical; swab if recurrent/resistant.
RBC/WBC/Platelet: Usually normal.
Differential: HSV, eczema herpeticum, contact dermatitis.
Treatment: Topical mupirocin (limited lesions), oral antibiotics extensive disease.
Contraindications: Topical steroid alone on infected lesions.
ICU: Not typical.
OPD Rx: Mupirocin ointment ± oral cephalexin.
Nutrition: Routine balanced nutrition.
Flow: Typical lesions → localized vs extensive classification.
25) Bacterial Meningitis
Findings: Fever, headache, neck stiffness, altered sensorium, seizures.
Investigations: Blood cultures, LP (if safe), CSF profile/culture/PCR, neuroimaging when indicated.
RBC/WBC/Platelet: Neutrophilic leukocytosis; platelets may fall in sepsis.
Differential: Viral meningitis, encephalitis, brain abscess, SAH.
Treatment: Immediate empiric IV antibiotics ± dexamethasone.
Contraindications: Delay antibiotics for imaging in unstable patient.
ICU: Airway, ventilation, ICP and shock management.
OPD: No OPD treatment; emergency admission.
Nutrition: Enteral feeding once stable.
Flow: Suspect clinically → blood cultures + immediate antimicrobials → CSF-guided refinement.
26) Viral Hepatitis (A/E predominant acute)
Findings: Fever, malaise, jaundice, dark urine, hepatomegaly.
Investigations: LFT, bilirubin, INR, viral serology.
RBC/WBC/Platelet: Mild cytopenias possible; platelets often normal.
Differential: Drug-induced liver injury, malaria, leptospirosis, hemolysis.
Treatment: Supportive; monitor for liver failure.
Contraindications: Hepatotoxic drugs/alcohol.
ICU: Acute liver failure, encephalopathy, coagulopathy.
OPD Rx: Symptomatic meds, LFT follow-up.
Nutrition: Adequate calories, avoid fasting, avoid alcohol/hepatotoxins.
Flow: Jaundice syndrome → hepatic panel + viral markers → severity triage.
27) Infectious Mononucleosis
Findings: Fever, exudative pharyngitis, posterior cervical nodes, fatigue, splenomegaly.
Investigations: CBC atypical lymphocytes, heterophile/EBV serology, LFT.
RBC/WBC/Platelet: Lymphocytosis; thrombocytopenia mild possible.
Differential: Strep throat, CMV, acute HIV, lymphoma.
Treatment: Supportive; steroids only selected severe complications.
Contraindications: Contact sports during splenomegaly risk period.
ICU: Airway compromise, severe hematologic complications.
OPD Rx: Analgesic/antipyretic + rest + spleen precautions.
Nutrition: Soft diet, hydration.
Flow: Classic triad + atypical lymphocytes/serology confirmation.
28) Sepsis / Septic Shock
Findings: Fever/hypothermia, tachycardia, hypotension, altered mentation, organ dysfunction.
Investigations: CBC, lactate, cultures, CRP/procalcitonin, organ function panels.
RBC/WBC/Platelet: WBC high/low; platelets often low; anemia develops over time.
Differential: Anaphylaxis, adrenal crisis, cardiogenic shock, hemorrhagic shock.
Treatment: Early antibiotics, fluid resuscitation, vasopressors, source control.
Contraindications: Delayed antibiotics, excessive unmonitored fluids.
ICU: Mandatory in shock/organ failure.
OPD: Not appropriate.
Nutrition: Early enteral nutrition in ICU when feasible.
Flow: Recognize sepsis bundle triggers → 1-hour bundle → dynamic reassessment.
29) Dengue Fever
Findings: Fever, myalgia, rash, warning signs, bleeding tendency in severe forms.
Investigations: CBC serial hematocrit/platelets, NS1/IgM, LFT.
RBC/WBC/Platelet: Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, rising hematocrit in plasma leak.
Differential: Malaria, chikungunya, leptospirosis, influenza.
Treatment: Judicious fluids, paracetamol, close hematocrit-guided monitoring.
Contraindications: NSAIDs, unnecessary platelet transfusion without indication.
ICU: Shock, severe bleeding, organ involvement.
OPD Rx: Oral fluids + paracetamol + daily review if warning signs risk.
Nutrition: Fluid-rich oral intake, light diet.
Flow: Day-of-illness staging + warning signs + hematocrit/platelet trend-based decisions.
30) Malaria (Falciparum/Vivax)
Findings: Fever with chills, headache, anemia, splenomegaly; severe malaria may involve CNS/kidney/lungs.
Investigations: Peripheral smear and/or rapid antigen test, CBC, LFT/RFT.
RBC/WBC/Platelet: Hemolytic anemia (low RBC/Hb), thrombocytopenia common, WBC variable.
Differential: Dengue, enteric fever, leptospirosis, viral fever.
Treatment: Species/severity-based antimalarial regimen; manage complications.
Contraindications: Incomplete treatment, wrong species-based regimen.
ICU: Cerebral malaria, severe anemia, AKI, ARDS, shock.
OPD Rx: Oral ACT/chloroquine (as per species/resistance guidelines) + follow-up smear.
Nutrition: Hydration, iron/protein rehabilitation after acute phase.
Flow: Confirm parasitology first → classify uncomplicated vs severe → protocol treatment.
Quick interpretation of CBC pattern in allergy/infection
- Allergy dominant: eosinophilia, otherwise near-normal counts.
- Bacterial infection: neutrophilic leukocytosis, CRP/procalcitonin often high.
- Viral infection: lymphocyte-predominant or leukopenia pattern.
- Dengue/malaria severe infections: thrombocytopenia common.
- Chronic infection/inflammation: anemia of inflammation (low Hb/RBC trend).
Universal nutrition principles (all ages, including pediatrics)
- Maintain hydration and electrolyte balance.
- Continue age-appropriate feeding (do not over-restrict).
- Prioritize protein during recovery (eggs, pulses, dairy, lean meat as tolerated).
- Add micronutrients where deficient (iron, folate, zinc, vitamin D).
- In pediatrics: frequent small feeds; monitor weight gain and appetite recovery.
Practical diagnostic flow (one-line universal template)
Syndrome recognition → severity triage (stable/unstable) → focused labs/imaging → start empiric supportive ± specific therapy → confirm etiology → de-escalate/target treatment → follow-up for complications.
If you want, I can next convert this into a print-ready structured table (single-sheet exam format) or a Word/PDF file with headings and page numbers.