DISORDERS OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM ALLERGIES An allergy

DISORDERS OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

ALLERGIES: • An allergy is an unusually high sensitivity to a substance. • Any substance that causes an allergic reaction is called an allergen (eg. milk, pollen, dust, pet dander)

Symptoms of Allergies

ALLERGIES: • Side effects of an allergic reaction are a result of histamine. • Histamine is a chemical that your body releases when you need to fight invaders. (common symptoms: runny nose and watery eyes)

Skin Allergy Test

anaphylactic shock • Severe allergies can cause anaphylactic shock (swelling, breathing difficulties, and sometimes death).

Rheumatoid Arthritis • Rheumatoid Arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues. • It affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling and joint deformity.

AIDS/HIV • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is an infection of the immune system that leads to health complications and often death. • AIDS is cause by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that attacks the immune system by infecting Helper T-cells.

AIDS

AIDS/HIV • AIDS is transmitted by blood and semen. • There’s no cure for HIV/AIDS, but a variety of medications can be used in combination to control the virus.

Why it’s so hard to cure HIV • https: //www. ted. com/talks/janet_iwasa_why_it_s_so _hard_to_cure_hiv_aids

Taking Care of your Immune System • Eat a well-balanced diet • Maintain personal hygiene (bathing, washing hands, brushing teeth) • Keep home clean • Avoid tobacco and other non-prescription drugs • Get plenty of rest and exercise • Keep vaccinations up to date • Do not engage in activities that involve sharing body fluids with others.

Immune Response Comic Strip (c) Mc. Graw Hill Ryerson 2007