Immune System

  • Step 1

    Step 1
    A person eats an allergen that causes an allergic reaction for the first time since it is the first time the body has rejected this certain substance.
  • Step 2

    When a person eats the allergen, the body will create an antibody which is a protein that detects harmful substances.
  • Step 3

    This antibody attaches itself to cells found in tissues all over the body in order to prepare the body for if that allergen enters body again.
  • Step 4

    When the food allergen enters the body again, the allergen binds to the antibodies and sends out signals to the body to release large amounts of histamine.
  • Step 5

    The histamine causes irritation and swelling in parts of the body.
  • Step 6

    The result of this irritation varies in person to person, from mild hives, shortness of breath, to anaphylaxis.