Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction that occurs in the immune system that can be life-threatening. It can be caused by a variety of different substances entering the body including food, insect venom, and some medications. During the reaction, chemicals are released that cause the body to go into a state of shock and cause certain symptoms. The most common symptoms include vomiting and nausea, hives, airways tightening and closing, drop in blood pressure, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. 

After exposure to a harmful substance, the Immune system detects the substance, and sends signals to cells to release immunoglobulin E (IgE), an antibody to stop “harmful products.” Antigen is then detected by the Antigen-presenting cell, and a signal is sent to Th2. The Th2 sends a signal to B Cell and Plasma B Cell is created. The Plasma B Cell then produces IgE antibodies. These antibodies produced attach to Mast cells. Mast cells are exposed to the presenting Antigen when an allergen is consumed, granules produce chemicals that cause symptoms. This type of anaphylaxis requires previous exposure to the substance or allergen causing the reaction. 

References

Long, Erin & Ruiz, Juan C & Foglia, Julena & Valchanov, Kamen & Meikle, Andrew. (2022). Recognition, treatment, and prevention of perioperative anaphylaxis: a narrative review. AIMS Medical Science. 9. 32-50. 10.3934/medsci.2022005.

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2021, October 2). Anaphylaxis. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anaphylaxis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351468

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023, December 13). Food allergy. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20355095