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Step 1
A person eats an allergen, or substance that causes an allergic reaction for the first time. -
Step 2
When someone eats an allergen the body creates an antibody, or a protein that detects harmful substances. -
Step 3
The antibody, then attaches itself to cells found in tissues all over the body, this prepares the body incase that allergen comes into the body again. -
Step 4
When the food allergen enters the body again, the allergen then binds to antibodies and sends out signals to the body to release large amounts of histamine. -
Step 5
The histamine then causes irritation or swelling in parts of the body. -
Step 6
The result of this irritation varies in all people, causes mild hives, shortness of breath, to anaphylaxis (death).
