Understanding Allergies: Symptoms, Reactions, and Preventive Measures
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Course
Biology
Institution
Understanding Allergies: Symptoms, Reactions, and Prevention Measures
This study is mainly based on allergies. The subtopics are as follows:
1. Introduction and Meaning of Allergy and allergens.
2. Signs and symptoms of allergies.
3. Any two common allergic reactions.
4. Precautions to avo...
Allergy
Meaning of Allergy and allergens
Allergy was conceptually introduced in 1906 by the Viennese pediatrician Clemens
von Pirquet. He observed that some of his patients showed hypersensitivity
towards normal harmless substances like pollen, dust, or some foods. All the
different forms of hypersensitivities were categorized as allergies, and all were
supposed to be caused due to improper activation of the immune system.
Allergies are several conditions caused by the hypersensitivity of one's immune
system to something in the environment that generally causes no adverse effects
to most other people.
Allergens are substances that cause allergies. People show allergic reactions to
different types of allergens like dust, pollen, spores, food and certain clothes.
Signs and symptoms of allergies
To protect our body from allergens, our immune system generates
immunoglobulin proteins that are specific to the allergen. This first binds with the
allergen and then to the white blood cells present in the blood. This binding
triggers the release of an inflammatory chemical called histamine. Histamine
shows allergic symptoms like inflammation, skin rash and constriction of the
bronchioles in asthma.
Food allergens like wheat, milk, nuts, and seafood show symptoms of upset
stomach, vomiting, itching and red rashes on the skin. Seasonal Allergies caused by
pollen and pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and smog cause
symptoms like sniffling, sneezing, coughing ad itchy eyes. Dust particles cause
asthma and drugs like penicillin cause diarrhoea, hives and nausea
Two common allergic reactions
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the
airways, making it difficult to breathe. During an asthma attack, the muscles
around the airways tighten, the lining of the airways becomes swollen and
inflamed, and there is an increase in mucus production. It can be treated by drugs
which make the bronchiole muscles relax allowing air to pass through smoothly.
Hay fever
It is usually caused by a reaction to pollen when flowers are open. The inner lining
of the nasal cavity becomes sensitive and inflamed, producing a large amount of
mucus. This causes a runny nose and sneezing. The eyes may be affected similarly,
becoming sore, weepy, and itchy.
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