BIOLOGY

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity

Type I Hypersensitivity

All of the immediate hypersensitivity is involved in the Type 1 reactions. These reactions are mediated by the Immunoglobin E and some other classes of immunoglobin can also be involved. These immunoglobins are activated rapidly after the body is exposed to any antigen. There are two components of the allergic response. One is a stage of sensitization and other is the allergic reaction.

Sensitization stage

When the immune system of the body is exposed to an allergen then the IgE antibodies are initiated along with macrophages, B-cells and T-cells. The introduction of immunoglobin E is followed by the allergic reaction. The immunoglobin E antibody then attaches to the mast cell tissues by the Fc pieces. The mast cells contain some receptors on its surface which are called as Fc receptors. These receptors are highly attracted by the immunoglobin E antibodies. An allergic response is started after this stage (Latremoliere & Woolf, 2009, p.895).

Reaction stage

When the allergen is again exposed to the body then it is attracted and combined by the immunoglobin E antibody which is attached to the mast cells. The immunoglobin E antibodies are cross linked to the mast cells with the help of multivalent antigen and the cross linkage is needed for the succeeding reactions (Wu et.al, 2011, p.459).

There mast cells consist of large basophilic granules and these basophilic granules are secreted into the tissues. This is a process of degranulation. It secretes various compounds which are active pharmacologically. Some compounds are secreted from the granules directly like heparin and histamine and some are manufactured by the cell.

Contributing factors of asthma

There are several factors which are involved in the onset of early and late stage asthma. Some of them are provided below:

Environmental Tobacco Smoke

The tobacco smoke which is present in the environment is also called as the second hand smoke. It is so called because it is inhaled by the smoker but it is taken in by another person who is not smoking and is present near to the smoker. People should not smoke in front of the person who is suffering from asthma (Kimata, Inagaki & Nagai, 2000, p.25).

Dust Mites

Dusts mites are present everywhere but they are not responsible to cause asthma but can act as a trigger of it. Asthma attacks from that are caused by the dust mites can be prevented by pillow case and mattress covers. The people who are suffering from asthma should not be using quilts, comforters, down filled pillows, clutters and stuffed animals.

Outdoor Air Pollution

The pollution which is caused by the emissions of automobiles and industries can also be a trigger for the attack of asthma. The patients of asthma should move outdoors according to the air quality level.

Cockroach Allergen

Asthma attack can also be caused or triggered by the cockroaches and their droppings. A person should not leave the food crumbs in the home and all the water and food sources should be removed to avoid cockroaches in ...