Allergy Tests Health Article

BOOKS

Davies, R., and S. Ollier. Allergy: The Facts. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press, 1989.

Lawlor Jr., G. J., T. J. Fischer, and D. C. Adelman. Manual of Allergy and Immunology. Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1995.

Richard Robinson

KEY TERMS

Allergen—A substance that provokes an allergic response.

Anaphylaxis—Increased sensitivity caused by previous exposure to an allergen that can result in blood vessel dilation (swelling) and smooth muscle contraction. Anaphylaxis can result in sharp blood pressure drops and difficulty breathing.

Antibody—A specific protein produced by the immune system in response to a specific foreign protein or particle called an antigen.

Antigen—A foreign protein to which the body reacts by making antibodies.

Histamine—A chemical released by mast cells that activates pain receptors and causes cells to become leaky.

Mast cells—A type of immune system cell that is found in the lining of the nasal passages and eyelids, displays a type of antibody called immuno-globulin type E (IgE) on its cell surface, and participates in the allergic response by releasing histamine from intracellular granules.