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The Allergen
An allergen enters the body for a second time, but fortunately the antibody is ready and has a plan to put into action. The immune system immediately goes into response and fights the foreign substance. -
Cells come into play
The allergen in the food has now caused a reaction of the immune system creating more B-cells, while T-cells will find the food and tell the body to destroy and get rid of it ASAP. -
Antibodies to the rescue
As most people know, antibodies are very good and fight off foreign substances that are unwanted such as food allergens. These antibodies are set free to attack the allergen and become familiar with it so that next time the substance is ingested, the antibodies will know what to do. -
Allergen Arrival and Histamine Release
The allergen is ingested, and the immune system overreacts and believes it to be an invader. As a defense, the body releases large amounts of histamine, which triggers the inflammatory response. -
Your reaction
The histamine release causes a chain of events and the body is now battling the allergen. The immune system in particular, is doing it's best to destroy the foreign substance and thus a reaction will occur. -
Possible Reactions
Allergic reactions vary, and the severity also has many possibilities. Common reactions include; swelling of the mouth, tongue, and eyes, hives, rashes, itching, inflammation of the esophagus, trouble breathing, stomach cramps, and vomiting. In extremely severe cases, anaphylaxis shock can occur and be fatal.