Allergies: TERMS

Question 1

Define an allergy

Answer 1

A HYPERSENSITVE reaction of the body due to exposure of a particular ALLERGEN

Question 2

Define the following terms:
-Anaphylaxis
-Antigen
-Allergen

Answer 2

Anaphylaxis: An acute, life-threatening, multisystem IgE-mediated HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTION
-Antigen: Any substance that induces the IMMUNE SYSTEM to produce ANTIBODIES against it
-Allergen: A TYPE OF ANTIGEN that can elicit an ALLERGIC reaction

Question 3

Define the following terms
-Antibody
-Urticaria

Answer 3

Antibody: A protein component in the immune system that circulates in the blood, recognizes foreign substances and neutralizes them
Urticaria: An itchy rash resulting from the release of HISTAMINE by mast cells.

Question 4

What is ANGIOEDEMA?

Answer 4

■Non-inflammatory oedema involving the skin
■subcutaneous tissue, mucous membranes, and underlying muscle
■especially those of the GI and UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACTS
■with the most critical area involved being the larynx