Immuneresponse

Immune System Response to a Food Based Reaction

  • Step 1

    Step 1
    A person eats an allergen, or substance that causes an allergic reaction for the first time.
  • Step 2

    When the person eats the allergen, the body creates an antibody, or a protein that detects harmful substances.
  • Step 3

    This antibody, attatches itself to cells found in tissues all over the body in order to prepare the body for if that allergen enters the 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

    Step 6
    The result of this irritation varies in person to person, from mild hives, shortness of breath, to anaphylaxis.