Allergy Study Guide/Notes
VOCAB:
 Allergy – an abnormal response to an ordinarily harmless substance.
 Allergen – a substance that causes an allergic reaction.
 Histamine – chemicals in the body that cause the symptoms of the allergic reaction.
 Hives – raised bumps on the skin that are very itchy.
 Antihistamines – medicines that help control the effects triggered by histamines.
 Anaphylaxis - severe allergic reaction that can cause serious breathing difficulty, a drop in blood pressure, loss of
consciousness, and, in some cases, even death.
Q: What are the three stages to an allergic reaction?
1. Contact is made: allergens enter the body in three ways;
o through breathing (smoke, dust, etc.)
o swallowing (peanuts, milk, shellfish, etc.)
o touching (peanuts, poison ivy, wool, etc.)
2. Attack is Launched!
o Special Cells release chemicals called histamines that cause the body to have specific responses.
3. The body responses to allergies
o Eyes: reddening, itchy, watery, eyelids swells
o Respiratory System: runny nose, sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, and difficulty breathing.
o Throat: difficulty swallowing
o Skin: redness, rash, hives, itching
o Digestive System: pain, cramps, diarrhea, nausea
Q: How are allergies diagnosed?
 Often times doctors will see the signs and symptoms and be able to determine the allergen by what you have
eaten or been exposed to.
 If unable to identify the exact allergen, the doctor can perform a series of tests in which a person’s skin is
scratched by tiny bits of a specific allergen. They will then look for a reaction at that sign in which they were
scratched.
Q: How are allergies treated?
 There is no cure for allergies, only treat them.
 Avoid the allergen
 Antihistamine (May relieve itching, redness, and in some cases, swelling. There are over the counter and
prescription antihistamines. As with all medications, do not take anything without your parent’s permission
and be sure to read all labels for either adverse reactions or side effects.) Depending on the severity, a doctor
may also prescribe a steroid.
 In severe cases, allergy shots may be taken is very small doses over a long period of time (3-5 years) to help
build an immunity to the allergen.
The most common allergenic foods, also known as the 'big eight', are: (make up 90% of food allergies)
 eggs
 fish
 milk
 nuts from trees (including hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, and Brazil nuts)
 peanuts (groundnuts)
 shellfish (including shrimps, mussels, and crab)
 soy
 wheat