How the immune system responds to a food based reaction

By leilamz13
  • STEP ONE

    STEP ONE

    An individual first consumes a food allergen, defined as a substance that causes an allergic reaction
  • STEP TWO

    STEP TWO

    When an individual eats the allergen, the body creates an antibody, defined as a protein that detects harmful substances.

  • STEP THREE

    This antibody attatches itself to cells found in tissues all over the body in order to prepare the body in case that specific allergen enters the body again.

  • STEP FOUR

    The allergen binds to the antibodies and sends out signals to the body to release large amounts of histamine when the food allergen enters the body again
  • STEP FIVE

    STEP FIVE

    The histamine causes irritation and swelling in parts of the body.
  • STEP SIX

    STEP SIX

    The result of this irritation varies from person to person. Such reactions include the formation of mild hives, shortness of breath, or anaphylaxis.