11 Questions
Which type of allergies do non-prescription remedies effectively treat?
Hay-fever
Why are topical antihistamines not recommended despite their theoretical usefulness?
They include hypersensitivity reactions
What is a non-prescription remedy unable to effectively treat?
Allergic asthma
What is the main issue with using topical antihistamines for allergic itch?
They may include their own hypersensitivity reactions
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an efficacy issue of non-prescription remedies for allergies?
Cost-effectiveness
What role do lymphocytes play in the development of allergies?
Initiating an inflammatory process upon recognizing foreign molecules
Which of the following situations would NOT spontaneously resolve with age, based on the provided information?
Nickel allergy
Which cells are involved in the non-antigen-specific immune response in allergies?
Phagocytes
What happens when the immune system fails to regulate itself during an allergic reaction?
The immune system breaks down, leading to abnormal reactions
The inflammatory process in allergies is initiated after the recognition of which type of substances?
Substances recognized as foreign by lymphocytes
What is the primary objective of most allergy treatments?
Suppressing the disturbing symptoms
Study Notes
Allergy Overview
- Allergy refers to any abnormal reaction or hypersensitivity to substances to which one is exposed.
- Examples of well-known allergies include pollen, cosmetic agents, and nickel.
What Causes Allergy?
- True allergies are caused by substances that the body recognizes as foreign.
- Upon molecular recognition, an inflammatory process and further production of antibodies are initiated by activated lymphocytes.
- Lymphocytes and antibodies cooperate with non-antigen-specific cells, such as phagocytes, to eliminate the antigens.
- In normal circumstances, the immune system regulates itself to generate a response appropriate for the antigen encountered.
- In allergies, the control exerted by the immune system breaks down, initiating abnormal reactions.
Symptoms of Allergy
- Excessive rhinorrhoea, itch, and inflammation of the conjunctival and nasal tissues are observed in hay-fever.
Treatment and Cure for Allergies
- Allergies can resolve spontaneously, for example, hay-fever improves with age.
- In some cases, continuous avoidance of exposure to the allergen is necessary.
- Treatment is aimed at suppressing disturbing symptoms.
- Non-prescription remedies are available for the symptomatic relief of certain allergies, such as hay-fever and insect stings, but not for more serious allergies like allergic asthma.
Learn about what causes allergies, the abnormal reaction to substances, and examples of common allergies.
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