What is an allergy?

Allergy is the result of the immune system overreacting to harmless stimuli in the environment.

Examples of stimuli or 'allergens' include pollen, dust, eggs and milk.

The body recognises these harmless allergens as foreign, which leads to white blood cells releasing antibodies.

Antibodies then trigger mast cells (another form of immune cell) to produce histamine and this promotes inflammation. You may have seen how inflammation manifests in your own body following injury or infection. Typically the inflamed part of the body becomes hot, red, swollen and very painful.

SK
Answered by Saadiyah K. Biology tutor

4092 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

During large heart attacks the chordae tendineae can be damaged. Use your knowledge of the heart’s structure and the diagram below to to explain how damage to these structures may lead to backflow of blood from the right ventricle to the right atrium.


Describe the function of phospholipids in the human body


How does the process of eutrophication work?


Describe the structure of DNA.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences