Question

presentation #4: disease name: allergies
what is the disease? (definition)
cause:
what are the symptoms?
how can you treat this disease?

Explanation:

To answer the questions about the disease "Allergies", we analyze each section:

1. What is the disease? (Definition)

Allergies are abnormal immune responses where the immune system overreacts to harmless substances (allergens, like pollen, dust, or certain foods) as if they were threats. The body produces antibodies (like IgE) that trigger symptoms when exposed to these allergens.

2. Cause:

Allergies occur when the immune system misidentifies a harmless substance (allergen) as dangerous. Genetic predisposition (atopy) and environmental exposure to allergens (e.g., pollen, pet dander, mold, certain foods, insect stings) trigger this overreaction. The immune system produces IgE antibodies specific to the allergen; subsequent exposure causes IgE to signal immune cells (like mast cells) to release histamine and other chemicals, leading to symptoms.

3. What are the symptoms?

Symptoms vary by allergen and exposure route:

• Respiratory: Sneezing, runny/stuffy nose, itchy/watery eyes, coughing, wheezing (e.g., allergic asthma).
• Skin: Hives (itchy, red welts), eczema (dry, itchy rash), or contact dermatitis (rash from direct allergen contact).
• Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain (e.g., food allergies).
• Systemic (severe): Anaphylaxis (life - threatening), with symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat/tongue, rapid pulse, dizziness, or loss of consciousness (common with insect stings, certain foods, or medications).

4. How can you treat this disease?

• Avoidance: Identify and avoid allergens (e.g., use air filters for dust/pollen, avoid known food allergens).
• Medications:
• Antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, loratadine) block histamine to reduce sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
• Nasal corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone) reduce nasal inflammation for allergic rhinitis.
• Bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol) relieve asthma - related wheezing/shortness of breath.
• Epinephrine auto - injectors (e.g., EpiPen) for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).
• Immunotherapy: Allergy shots (injections) or sublingual tablets gradually expose the body to small amounts of the allergen, reducing long - term sensitivity.

Answer:

s (summarized for each section):

• What is the disease?: Allergies are abnormal immune responses to harmless allergens, triggering symptoms via immune system overreaction.
• Cause: Immune system misinterprets allergens as threats; genetic/environmental factors, IgE - mediated immune response.
• Symptoms: Respiratory (sneezing, nasal congestion), skin (hives, eczema), gastrointestinal (nausea, diarrhea), or severe anaphylaxis.
• Treatment: Allergen avoidance, antihistamines, nasal steroids, bronchodilators, epinephrine (for anaphylaxis), and immunotherapy.