Podcast Beta
Questions and Answers
What is the main protein involved in allergic reactions that trigger the release of histamines?
Which of the following is NOT one of the top 8 food allergens according to the US government?
What type of allergic reaction typically takes hours or days to develop after exposure to an allergen?
Which of the following symptoms is NOT commonly associated with an immediate allergic reaction?
Signup and view all the answers
What could trigger an immune response in an individual with a peanut allergy?
Signup and view all the answers
Why is it important for manufacturers to list all possible sources of food allergen proteins in their products?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the main cause of allergies?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a common indoor allergen?
Signup and view all the answers
What happens when our bodies encounter food allergen proteins?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the role of histamine in an allergic reaction?
Signup and view all the answers
Among the following, which is NOT considered a top 8 food allergen?
Signup and view all the answers
How do allergies typically manifest themselves?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Allergies occur when your body's immune system overreacts to a substance called an allergen. This can cause symptoms like sneezing, itching, watery eyes, rashes, swelling, wheezing, coughing, runny nose, headaches, stomachache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or dizziness. Some common types of allergies include hay fever, food allergies, asthma, drug allergies, and insect stings.
Causes of Allergies
Allergy triggers can be found everywhere—in plants, animals, foods, products, medicines, and even in the air we breathe. They often develop from things you touch, eat, breathe, inject, swallow, or absorb into your skin. Common indoor allergens include dust mites, cockroach parts, animal hair, mold spores, pollen, and pet dander. Outdoor allergens commonly found include tree pollen, grass, ragweed seeds, weed seeds, and pollen grains. Food allergens come from nuts, fruits, vegetables, eggs, milk, fish, shellfish, spices, and other ingredients. Drugs and medical procedures such as vaccinations can also trigger allergic reactions.
Food Allergen Proteins
Food allergies happen because our bodies don't recognize certain proteins found in some foods, seeing them as invaders. These proteins, called allergens, stimulate our immune systems and make antibodies against these foreign substances. When this happens, our bodies release chemicals like histamine which cause most of the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction. In severe cases, the release of histamine and other substances can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate treatment.
Top 8 Food Allergens
The eight major food allergens identified by the US government are:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Fish
- Crustacean shellfish
- Tree nuts
- Peanuts
- Wheat
- Soybeans
These foods need to be listed separately if they are added to any product, and manufacturers must list all possible sources of milk, egg, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nut, peanut, wheat, and soya bean protein present in their products.
Immune System Response to Allergens
When your immune system encounters something it sees as dangerous, it makes proteins called immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. If you have an allergy, these IgE antibodies react with the allergen and cause your cells to produce more histamines, leading to the typical allergy symptoms. For example, if you're allergic to peanuts, eating just one peanut could trigger an immune response, resulting in a range of reactions from mild to severe.
Allergic Reactions
There are two main kinds of allergic reactions - immediate and delayed:
- Immediate reactions usually occur within minutes after exposure to an allergen, last less than half an hour, and may involve itchy rash, redness, hives, and fluid-filled blisters.
- Delayed reactions typically take hours or days before you notice the allergen is causing problems, but once it starts, they tend to get worse. Not everyone has both quick and slow responses to allergies.
Many people who experience minor discomfort due to allergies do nothing about it. However, others suffer serious reactions, including breathing trouble, hives, and anaphylactic shock. It's crucial to know what might cause your allergies and learn how best to treat them.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the causes, symptoms, and reactions associated with allergies and food allergens. Learn about common allergens like dust mites, pollen, and food proteins, as well as the immune system's response to these triggers.
