Thursday, May 23, 2013

More about allergies



Springtime (and its pollens) brings allergy issues to people who live in the Midwest.  What substances can cause allergic reactions?  Common allergens (substances which can cause an allergic response) include drugs, dust, food, insect venom, mold, animal dander, latex, and pollens.  
What happens in an allergic reaction?  A protective antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE) begins to fight the invader (in the Big Bang episode, peanuts).  According to my Webster’s New World Dictionary, a person who suffers from allergic reactions has more IgE antibodies than non-allergy sufferers.  During this battle between allergen (peanuts) and the IgE, tissue cells (mast cells) are damaged and release chemicals such as histamine which cause itching, swelling, and hives.  Histamine can cause muscle spasms in the throat and lungs (asthma symptoms) and in some cases the person may temporarily lose the ability to talk.   

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