The Immunological Process in an Allergic Reaction
Allergens are the trigger for human body allergic reaction. It is one of human immunological process to react for invader substance. We find most allergens are common in our environment. Most allergic reactions developed over the years by the immune system. If someone who has suffered from allergies for a long time, they mostly will know when their body gives immediate reaction to an allergen. Allergic reactions are most common coming from food, bee’s venom or wasp, hay fever, grasses, weeds, rhinitis, and eczema.
Contrary to popular belief, not all allergies are harmful, but some allergies are known to cause fatality if not treated immediately and properly. People who are allergic to a food are having the risk of food allergy anaphylaxis, which could extend to death. Food allergies can cause swelling of the larynx and the reduction air passage. People, who are allergic to bee stings, may face a life threatening situation when the drug allergy is not administered immediately
When an allergen enters the body of a person at risk for allergy, an extremely complex series of events is set in motion that will finally result in the release of chemicals (called inflammatory reactions mediators) that act on body tissues to cause the symptoms of allergy. All immunological processes involve the various white blood cells (leukocytes), and the different types of allergies chemicals they produce.
The first stage of the immunological response involves recognition of the invading antigen. An antigen is a protein within the cells of any living (or previously living) material that enters the body causing the immune system to react to it. All foods contain numerous antigens. When the antigen causes an immune response that results in allergy, we call it an allergen. Not all foreign proteins (antigens) cause allergy, and therefore not all antigens are allergens. On the other hand, all allergens are antigens.
When an antigen enters the body, the white blood cells called lymphocytes are activated. Lymphocytes are the first cells of the immune system that recognize and respond to anything foreign entering the body. We can visualize them as the sentinels of the immune system. There are two different types of lymphocytes in blood: T cells and B cells. T-cell lymphocytes are the ultimate “gatekeepers” and controllers of the natural immune system.