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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