Ep. 95: How Allergic Reactions Work - The Science Behind Allergy Symptoms
Part of the series: Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations Podcast
This podcast was made in partnership with Allergy & Asthma Network.
We thank Genentech for sponsoring this episode. While they support the show, all opinions are our own, and sponsorship doesn’t influence our content or editorial decisions. Any mention of brands is for informational purposes and not an endorsement.
LISTEN TO EPISODE 95:
Have you ever wondered what happens inside your body during an allergic reaction?
From itchy eyes to anaphylaxis, the science behind allergies explains why some reactions are mild while others can be life-threatening. In this episode, we break it all down.
Dr. Payel Gupta and Kortney unpack the basics of food allergies, starting with what IgE antibodies are and how they play a role in allergic reactions. They explain what happens when your immune system encounters an allergen, breaking it down with our favorite pinata analogy. This deep dive into the immune system reveals why reactions can range from mild to life-threatening and explores the differences between food allergies, intolerances, and oral allergy syndrome.
If you're newly diagnosed or curious about the science behind allergies, this episode offers valuable insights to help you understand your body and stay safe.
What We Cover in Our Episode What Happens in an Allergic Reaction:
What is an allergic reaction? Discover how your immune system identifies allergens and triggers a response involving IgE antibodies, mast cells, and histamine. Confused? We use our pinata analogy to simplify it.
The role of histamine and inflammation. Learn how histamine is released during an allergic reaction, leading to inflammation and common symptoms.
Understanding food allergies vs. food intolerances. Explore the key differences, including symptoms, risks, and why terminology matters.
Oral allergy syndrome and environmental allergies. Understand why some allergies don’t lead to anaphylaxis and how cross-reactivity can cause symptoms.
Anaphylaxis and severe reactions. Explore why some reactions are life-threatening and how factors like exposure levels and health conditions can influence severity.
More resources about allergies:
More episodes about allergic reactions:
Understanding Allergy Types
IgE-Mediated Allergy
Involves the immune system producing IgE antibodies in response to a specific allergen.
Triggers histamine release, leading to symptoms like itching, swelling, and anaphylaxis.
Even tiny amounts of an allergen (food, venom, or drug) can cause a severe reaction.
Allergy symptoms occur in multiple systems in the body.
Food Intolerance
Does not involve the immune system.
Caused by difficulty digesting certain foods, often due to enzyme deficiencies (e.g., lactose intolerance).
Symptoms include bloating, gas, and diarrhea, which are generally not life-threatening.
Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS)
A mild allergic reaction caused by cross-reactivity between environmental allergens (like pollen) and certain raw fruits or vegetables.
Symptoms are usually limited to itching or tingling in the mouth and throat.
Cooking the food often prevents symptoms since heat alters the allergenic proteins.
Key Symptoms of Allergic Reactions
Sneezing, runny, or stuffy nose
Itchy or watery eyes
Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Hives, rashes, or itchy skin
Shortness of breath or wheezing
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Anaphylaxis symptoms: drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and sense of impending doom
Timestamps
Our episode explores the science behind an allergic reaction.
01:09 What is a food allergy, and how does it work?
02:34 Understanding IgE antibodies: Their role in allergic reactions
07:05 What happens during an allergic reaction
08:30 The piñata analogy: A simple way to understand allergic reactions.
10:46 TH1 vs. TH2 immune responses
12:03 Different types of allergic reactions: Food, drug, venom, and environmental allergies.
16:10 Factors that can influence reaction severity and why the next reaction isn’t always worse
18:05 Food allergy vs. food intolerance
21:50 Why it’s important to differentiate between allergies and intolerances.
25:16 What is oral allergy syndrome
28:20 Why cooking can prevent some allergic reactions
