LESSON 1 – WHAT IS AN ALLERGY AND WHAT IS ANAPHYLAXIS

ALLERGY

• An allergy occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to a substance (allergen) that would normally be harmless, like foods, pollens or medications.
• This causes the production of antibodies which are proteins that identify and react with substances that are foreign to the body This normally works to protect the body against viruses and bacteria but in this case it is happens unnecessarily and poses a threat to the person.

ALLERGIC REACTION

• An allergic reaction is when someone develops symptoms such as hives, swelling of the lips, face or eyes, hives, coughing or wheezing after exposure to an allergen.
• Allergic reactions range from mild to severe, with Anaphylaxis being the most severe form of allergic reaction.