Discussion – Allergy | Free Essay Example

Discussion – Allergy

Innate Vs. Acquired Immunity

Innate immunity is the non-specific defense mechanism of the body. It is activated by an antigen’s chemical properties. On the contrary, acquired immunity is specific to an antigen. It is more complex compared to innate immunity. Unlike innate immunity, acquired immunity has a memory that ensures efficient responses against the specific antigen in the future (Marshall, Warrington, Watson & Kim, 2018)

Active Vs. Passive Immunity

Active immunity is when antibodies are produced against specific pathogens or antigens secondary to antigen exposure. It can be gained naturally after infection or by administration of a weakened toxin or pathogen. Passive immunity is acquired when ready-made antibodies are transferred from one individual to another, such as maternal antibodies from a mother to a fetus (Marshall, Warrington, Watson & Kim, 2018).

The Genetic Predisposition of Allergens

Genome-wide association studies suggest that specific gene variations alter epithelial cell-derived cytokine encoding (Smith, 2021). Thymic stromal lymphopoietin and interleukin 33 have been shown to be involved in allergy pathogenesis. As a result, some families, known as atopic families, seem to be predisposed to certain allergic conditions.

Antigen-Antibody Response

The Antigen-antibody response is the specific chemical reaction and interaction between the invading antigen and antibodies during an immune response. An antigen is an exogenous or endogenous substance capable of inducing an immune response. An antibody is a protein substance secreted by the body’s immune system when an antigen is detected. Antibodies have specific receptors and are thus antigen-specific. The antibodies secreted bind to antigens on the pathogen surface, marking them for destruction.

Pathology of Sinusitis

Sinusitis is the inflammation or swelling of the sinus mucous membrane (tissues that line sinuses) and/or exudates into the sinuses (Shital, 2020). Inflammation of the sinuses can be caused by allergic rhinitis (the swelling of nose lining tissue due to allergens), nasal polyps (small growths of the nose lining tissue), common cold, and a deviated septum (nasal cavity shift).

References

Marshall, J., Warrington, R., Watson, W., & Kim, H. (2018). An introduction to immunology and immunopathology. Retrieved 5 May 2021, from https://aacijournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13223-018-0278-1

Shital, K. (2020). Sinus Infection (Sinusitis). Retrieved 5 May 2021, from https://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinusitis-and-sinus-infection#:~:text=Sinusitis%20is%20an%20inflammation%20or,The%20common%20cold

Smith, Y. (2021). Allergies and Genetics. Retrieved 5 May 2021, from https://www.news-medical.net/health/Allergies-and-Genetics.aspx

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