Allergies

Enfermagem – Língua Inglesa II – Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde

Universidade Fernando Pessoa – UFP
Autoras:
Mariana Pinto nº 16865; Virginie Carvalho nº17223; Viviana Gonçalves nº 16364

“Allergy” is a word used to describe an exaggerated Intolerance or allergy? Allergy tests

(excessive) response to a substance, which is
normally harmless. Allergy involves the immune system and tends to occur on each and every
exposure. Many allergy tests measure specific factors triggered by allergies.
Intolerance does not involve the immune system and so allergy tests will be
useless. Sometimes the intolerance is scientifically understood (an enzyme
deficiency and specific forms of food intolerance, for example), but more often
the explanation is not clear.
When someone has a clinical history that indicates signs of
allergies, has to do some tests. In medicine are many allergy tests,
depending the nature of the allergy.
The skin prick test is probably the most commonly use allergy test
because can tested a lot of allergens. This test give similar results
to the blood test, both detect IgE antibody.

Condition Symptoms Possible allergic Possible non-

causes allergic causes
Asthma Shortness of breath House dust mite Dust, fumes,
exercise , cold air
Conjunctivitis Swollen, red eyes Pollens, pet hair Contact lenses
Rhinitis Blocked and runny House dust mite Alcohol , infection
nose, sneezing
Urticaria (Nettle Itchy red rash with Reaction to certain Sunshine heat or
rash) swelling (wheals) foods such as nuts extreme cold
Angioedema Swelling of the Bee sting, nut Side effect of
tongue, throat, face allergy certain drugs, such
and lips some blood
pressure pills.

Skin prick test

Example of an allergic overreaction The skin patch test is different from the other test because this one
is especially useful in certain types of slow onset resctions, like
What’s happen when we have an allergy? eczema.

An allergy develops when the allergy triggers, or

allergens (substance that triggers the immune
system to overreact) activate, the immune system.
The immune system behaves as if the allergen is a Angioedema
dangerous invader and responds by producing an
Urticaria
allergic antibody (Immunoglobulin E, or IgE). In
parallel, allergen-reactive white blood cells develop.
These include mast cells. IgE causes mast cells to
release defence chemicals, which unfortunately
cause unpleasant symptoms such as irritation and
inflammation (allergic response). Allergic and non-
allergic reactions
Rhinitis
Skin patch test

Asthma

Conjunctivitis

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• www.nlm.nih.gov