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The Human Body is NUTS!
The Human Body is NUTS!
What causes this allergy?
An allergic reaction is a set of symptoms that occur as a result of a misdirected immune response.
Case 8
In this case, tree nuts are the allergen. The immune system sees the allergen as a foreign invader and sends white blood cells to help defend the body.
In some cases, the reaction can be very exaggerated and harmful to the body and its tissues.
A student in one of your classes (let's call them Kenny) cannot be in contact with anything related to tree nuts. Explain this misdirected immune response and what could happen to this student if they were to have a reaction to contact.
Primary and Secondary Immune Responses
Immune Guide D#1 & 2
A primary immune response occurs when B and T cells are activated after the first encounter with the antigen. In this case, the first encounter with tree nuts will yield a primary response.
A secondary immune response occurs when memory B and T cells recognize the foreign invader when it is encountered again. For Kenny, each time he comes into contact with tree nuts will produce a secondary reaction.
Often, during allergic reactions, secondary responses can become more and more intense over time.
To conclude the case...
Kenny should definitely avoid coming in contact with any tree nuts, including:
- almonds
- cashews
- coconut
- pecans
- walnuts
- etc.
OH NO! Kenny ate a tree nut!
His allergies are the result of a hypersensitive response from his immune system. Good luck, Kenny!
He will experience symptoms like :
- abdominal pain, cramps, nausea, and vomiting
- diarrhea
- difficulty swallowing
- itching of the mouth, throat, eyes, skin, or other areas
- nasal congestion/runny nose
- shortness of breath
- anaphylaxis (deadly reaction that impairs breathing and can send the body into shock