1. THE CHEMISTRY OF ALLERGY
BY BRANDON

2. What is an allergy?
 An allergy is your immune system’s
reactions to certain plants, animals, foods or
other things.
 The immune system protects people from
disease by fighting germs.
 But when people have allergies, their immune
system overreacts to an allergen.
 This causes an allergic reaction or symptoms.

3. What causes allergies?
 Indoor – dust mites, mold, mildew
 Outdoor – grass, flower and tree pollen
 Food(biochemical protein) – milk, wheat, soy,
eggs, nuts
 Chemicals – cosmetics, cleaners, fragrance in
soap, shampoo
 Latex

4. The chemistry of Allergy
An allergen is some type chemicals in food , pollen,
dust and many other things that cause allergic
reactions and symptoms.
When an allergen enters the body, the white blood
cells responds and produces chemicals called
IgE(immunoglobulin E) antibodies. While the
antibodies circulates in the blood, they meet
another type of white blood cell called the mast
cells. The antibodies sticks on the mast cell. When
allergen comes into the body next time, the
allergen interacts with the IgE antibodies. This
interaction makes the mast cell release histamine
and other chemicals. These chemicals circulate in
the blood and cause allergic symptoms.

5. Allergy symptoms
•Itchy watery eyes
•Skin rash
•Running or stuffy nose
•Swelling of lips or tongue
•Diarrhea, abdomen cramps
•Vomiting
•Sneezing
•Difficult breathing

6. Why do some people have
allergies and some people
don’t?
 People who do not have allergy reactions respond
weakly or not at all to allergens.
At the chemical level in the body, their immune
system produce mainly antibodies called
immunoglobulin G (lgG) in response to these
allergens.
Otherwise people who have allergies produce large
amounts of immunoglobulin E (lgE) respond to
allergens.

7. Why do some people have
allergies and some people
don’t? - Continued
 If one parent has an allergy, Allergy by genes
children have a 30% of chance of
developing allergies , if two
parents have, a 70% of chance to
One
develop allergies. parent
 But it remains mysterious about Two
just what causes allergies to parents
develop.

8. How are allergies treated and
what is the chemistry?
Nothing can cure allergies.
Treatments for allergies can only
relieve the symptoms of allergies.
But allergic symptoms don’t always
need treatment unless it is severe
or chronic.

9. Treatments continued
Antihistamines
When your body is in contact with an allergen, your body produces a chemical
called histamine which causes symptoms.
Antihistamines reduces or blocks the histamine from coming out from the mast
cells to stop the symptom.
Decongestants
When the blood vessels and tissues get swollen by an allergen, it clogs your nose so
a decongestant shrinks the swollen blood vessels and tissue.
Singulair
Singulair is a drug that is used for relieving allergy symptoms and prevents asthma.
It works by stopping a chemical called leukotriene which causes nasal passages to
swell and make a lot of mucus.

10. Treatments continued
Mast cell inhibitors
This drug prevents the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause allergic
symptoms from mast cells when an individual comes into contact with an allergen like
pollen.
Allergy Shots
Allergy shots help your body to get used to allergic reactions. A small amount of allergen
will be injected into the body. This will help the body become less sensitive by regularly
exposing it to the substances that cause the allergic reaction. But not for people allergic to
foods.
Dehumidifier
Use a dehumidifier if you have allergies or asthma and you will live in a humid climate or
have signs of moisture in your home.

11. Prevention
1. Stay indoors when the pollens count is at it’s highest.
2. Read and check food labels before eating.
3. Keep windows and doors closed during a heavy
pollination season.
4. Don’t allow dander- producing animals in the house.
5. Change feather pillows, woolen blankets and clothing
to cotton.
6. Remove carpets.
7. Use air filters.
8. Use a dehumidifier.

12. How do I know if I have
allergies?
People often mistake cold symptoms for allergy
symptoms, as they can be quite similar-stuffy nose,
itchy eyes, sneezing and scratchy throat.
Many allergy symptoms can appear suddenly after
exposure to an allergen. While it takes a few days to
feel the symptoms of a cold.
And symptoms of an allergy are not accompanied by
fever or body pains.

13. Questions?