How Much Do You Know About Allergies?
Allergies are nothing to sneeze at. Learn how to better deal with them by taking the following quiz.
1. Which of these body systems causes allergic reactions?
You
didn't answer this question.
You
answered
The correct answer is
The
immune system protects your body against foreign substances by starting a response.
This
immune response releases antibodies. The antibodies protect you against the threat.
Sometimes the immune system attacks a substance that should be harmless, like food
or
pollen, and this causes allergies.
2. An allergen is anything that triggers an allergic response.
Which of these could be an allergen?
You
didn't answer this question.
You
answered
The correct answer is
An allergen is something in your surroundings that causes your body to react. In people
who don’t have the allergy, the allergen is harmless. If you are allergic, symptoms
often affect your eyes, nose, throat, mouth, and skin.
3. What is one chemical your body releases in response to
allergens?
You
didn't answer this question.
You
answered
The correct answer is
The
cells in your body release histamine in response to an injury, allergen or inflammation.
Histamine causes the redness, itching and swelling linked to allergies.
4. The most severe form of allergic reaction is called
anaphylaxis. Which symptoms might happen with this?
You
didn't answer this question.
You
answered
The correct answer is
Other
symptoms of anaphylaxis include hives, swelling, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some people
will have all of these symptoms. Others may have only one or two. Anaphylaxis is
life-threatening. Call 911 or get emergency help right away.
5. Which of these foods are most likely to trigger an
allergy?
You
didn't answer this question.
You
answered
The correct answer is
Shellfish include shrimp, lobsters, and oysters. An allergic reaction to shellfish,
eggs, peanuts, or wheat may be severe or even life-threatening. Food allergies to
celery are less common and may cause only mild symptoms. Celery root (celeriac) often
causes more of a problem than celery.
6. You should think about wearing a Medic Alert bracelet if you have which of these
allergies?
You
didn't answer this question.
You
answered
The correct answer is
A Medic Alert bracelet lets emergency responders know that you have an allergy if you aren’t able to tell them. Knowing the kind of allergy you have helps responders know right away how to start treatment.
7. Children who have an egg allergy should not get which of these
vaccines?
You
didn't answer this question.
You
answered
The correct answer is
All
current childhood vaccines are safe for children with an egg allergy. It's important
for
children to stay up to date on their vaccines.
8. Dust mites are a common trigger for indoor respiratory
allergies. Where are you most likely to find them in the home?
You
didn't answer this question.
You
answered
The correct answer is
The
mites live where people spend a long period of time. Washing sheets and blankets in
hot
water will reduce dust mites. So will using mattress and pillow covers.
Your score was: