HTHSCI 2C06 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Anaphylaxis, Asthma, Antigen
16 Jan 2020
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Document Summary
Although the immune response is a protective body response, at times it may malfunction, leading to disease. Problems may occur when substances, which are normally harmless, stimulate the antigen antibody response. You will learn in greater detail, specific types of hypersensitivity reactions including allergic reactions, asthma and anaphylactic shock. You will also learn about the drugs used to prevent or treat the pathophysiological effects produced by these disorders. Knowledge of the pathophysiology of hypersensitivities will assist you to understand the purpose and results of diagnostic tests ordered for your clients. Hypersensitivity reactions occur when the body responds too aggressively to a normally harmless antigen. Allergen is the term used to describe a substance that causes a hypersensitivity reaction known as an allergy. The resulting antigen antibody response can damage body cells, liberating certain chemicals. Histamine and leukotrienes are released from special cells found near blood vessels called mast cells.
