What Are Allergies?
Allergies occur as an abnormal response of the body’s immune system. People suffering from allergies have an immune system response to what is usually a harmless environmental substance such as pollen, mold, animal dander or other allergens.
Allergies are a common. They affect about 2 out of every 10 Americans.
What Happens During an Allergic Reaction?
When a person is exposed to an allergen, a series of events takes place:
- The body produces an antibody, called IgE, to bind the allergen.
- The antibodies attach a type of blood cell called a mast cell. Mast cells are found in the airways, in the GI tract among other places in the body.
- When the allergens bind to the IgE, which is attached to the mast cell, it triggers a reaction releasing a variety of chemicals including histamine, which causes most of the symptoms of an allergy, including itchiness or runny nose.
May 10th, 2009 at 8:15 am
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