Allergy - Chapter 7 (Class 7 - Concise Biology Selina) ICSE

Allergy - Chapter 7

(Class 7 - Concise Biology Selina) ICSE

KEYWORDS:

·  Allergy

·  Immune system

·  Allergen

·  Food allergy

·  Pollen

·  Dust mites

·  Animal fur

·  Insect sting

·  Mold

·  Medications

·  Symptoms

·  Sneezing

·  Runny nose

·  Itchy eyes

·  Hives

·  Swelling

·  Anaphylaxis

·  Skin prick test

·  Blood test

·  Elimination diet

·  Avoidance

·  Antihistamines

·  Corticosteroids

·  Immunotherapy

·  Epinephrine (EpiPen)

·  Emergency

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Questi

on 1

Define the term "allergy".

Answer

Allergy is defined as a number of conditions caused by hypersensitivity of one's immune system to allergens like dust, spores, pollen, insect stings, certain types of food and cloth, etc.

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Question 2

Name the inflammatory chemical released by the basophils causing skin reaction and constriction of bronchioles.

Answer

The inflammatory chemical released by the basophils causing skin reaction and constriction of bronchioles is histamine.

Question 3

How the allergy causing chemical is naturally removed from the body?

Answer

The level of allergy causing chemical decreases in the body with time if the person avoids the allergens. Vitamin C rich food also helps to decrease histamine present in the body. In serious condition anti-histamine or anti-allergic medicines are recommended.

Question 4

Match the items given under column I with those given under column II:

Sl.No.	Column I	Column II
1.	Dust allergy	Nuts
2.	Food allergy	Pollen
3.	Seasonal allergy	Asthma

 Answer

Sl.No.	Column I	Column II
1.	Dust allergy	Asthma
2.	Food allergy	Nuts
3.	Seasonal allergy	Pollen

Question 5

Name any three routes by which allergens normally enter in our body.

Answer

Three routes by which allergens normally enter in our body are:

·         Skin

·         Mouth

·         Nose

Question 6

What are allergens? Name any three allergens.

Answer

The substances that cause allergies are called allergens. Three common allergens are:

·         Dust

·         Spores

·         Insect sting

Question 7

Name the two tests generally used to diagnose allergy and describe any one of them.

Answer

The two tests generally used to diagnose allergy are:

·         Skin prick test.

·         Blood testing

Blood testing — A sample of patient's blood is sent to a laboratory for analysis. Multiple allergens can be detected with a single blood sample. The test measures the concentration of specific antibodies in the blood. The quantitative allergy blood result can help determine what a patient is allergic to, help predict and follow the disease development, estimate the risk of a severe reaction, and explain cross-reactivity.

Question 8

Which test is mostly favoured for testing allergy, prick test or blood test? Why?

Answer

Blood test is mostly favoured for testing allergy. An allergy blood test is quick and simple, and can be ordered by a licensed health care provider. Unlike skin-prick testing, a blood test can be performed irrespective of age, skin condition, medication, symptom, disease activity, and pregnancy. Thus, we can say that blood test is a better test as compared to prick test.

 Allergy FAQ

1. What is an allergy?
An allergy is a reaction by your immune system to something that is usually harmless to most people. This could be food, pollen, animal fur, or other substances.

2. What are common allergens?
Common allergens include:

• Food: Nuts, eggs, milk, seafood
• Pollens: From flowers, trees, and grasses
• Dust: Dust mites in household dust
• Animal fur: From cats, dogs, and other pets
• Insect stings: Bee or wasp stings
• Molds: Found in damp areas
• Medications: Some antibiotics or painkillers

3. What are the symptoms of an allergy?
Symptoms of an allergy can include:

• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy, red, or watery eyes
• Skin rashes or hives
• Coughing or wheezing
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
• Stomach pain, diarrhea, or vomiting (especially with food allergies)

4. How is an allergy diagnosed?
A doctor may diagnose an allergy by asking about symptoms, medical history, and performing tests such as:

• Skin prick test: Tiny amounts of potential allergens are pricked into the skin to see if there's a reaction.
• Blood test: Measures the level of specific antibodies in your blood.
• Elimination diet: Removing certain foods from the diet to see if symptoms improve.

5. How can allergies be treated?
Treatment options include:

• Avoidance: Staying away from known allergens.
• Medications: Antihistamines, decongestants, or corticosteroids can help relieve symptoms.
• Allergy shots (immunotherapy): Regular injections of small amounts of allergens to build up tolerance.

6. Can allergies be prevented?
There is no sure way to prevent allergies, but some steps can reduce the risk:

• Breastfeeding infants: Can lower the risk of allergies in early childhood.
• Avoiding known allergens: Once you know what triggers your allergy, avoiding it can prevent symptoms.
• Keeping a clean environment: Reducing dust, pet dander, and mold can help.

7. What should I do in case of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)?
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, swelling, and a drop in blood pressure. Immediate treatment with an epinephrine injection (like an EpiPen) and calling emergency services is crucial.

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