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wolram
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What is in pea nuts that causes such violent illness and even death?
While this might be true in some cases (of which I'm not particularly aware), food allergies are generally caused by some protein (or other component) in the food that binds to an antibody produced by the body's immune system (usually IgE) that triggers an inflammatory response. The most well-known pathway in this response involves histamine (which is why antihistamines such as Benadryl are used as allergy medicine), but the entire allergic response is extremely complex and involved.ProfuselyQuarky said:there is no actual “substance” in things that causes allergies
This is not a true allergic response per se. Our bodies are ~60% water, so a true water allergy would probably be immediately fatal.ProfuselyQuarky said:aquagenic urticaria
Just because it is rare doesn't necessarily mean that it is not "real". Though, you're right--I was generalizing and trying to make everything simple. Aquagenic urticaria is not a histamine-releasing reaction.TeethWhitener said:This is not a true allergic response per se. Our bodies are ~60% water, so a true water allergy would probably be immediately fatal.
There are numerous examples...how else can people be allergic to things such as nickel or chromium?TeethWhitener said:While this might be true in some cases (of which I'm not particularly aware)
I didn't say it wasn't real. I said it wasn't a true allergic response. Although, I'm not sure if its mechanism of action is known. In at least two cases, it was treated with an antihistamine. Regardless, the point I was trying to make in my first post is that allergies are specific immune responses caused by antibodies binding to allergens.ProfuselyQuarky said:Just because it is rare doesn't necessarily mean that it is not "real"
Chromium and nickel ions dissolve into the skin and are recognized by the immune system: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickel_allergyProfuselyQuarky said:There are numerous examples...how else can people be allergic to things such as nickel or chromium?
Yes, I'm aware of that. That was just my response to whether there were allergies not having to do with proteins.TeethWhitener said:Chromium and nickel ions dissolve into the skin and are recognized by the immune system: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickel_allergy
Ok I'm confused. I was responding to your assertion thatProfuselyQuarky said:That was just my response to whether there were allergies not having to do with proteins.
ProfuselyQuarky said:there is no actual “substance” in things that causes allergies.
I'm becoming confused, as well. Because although you were responding to my assertion thatTeethWhitener said:Ok I'm confused. I was responding to your assertion that
Your complete sentence statedProfuselyQuarky said:there is no actual “substance” in things that causes allergies.
suggesting that "food allergies being generally caused by some protein" was justification that the statement "no actual “substance” in things that causes allergies" was somewhat erroneous. However, in my statement, I was referring to all types of allergies and not just food allergies.TeethWhitener said:While this might be true in some cases (of which I'm not particularly aware), food allergies are generally caused by some protein (or other component) in the food that binds to an antibody produced by the body's immune system (usually IgE) that triggers an inflammatory response.
Just to clarify, it's true that there's no single substance that causes allergies. And it's unclear why certain people are allergic to certain substances (from a genetic point of view). However, the allergic response itself is pretty well understood, and it occurs upon binding of an antibody to an allergen (which is almost always a protein). Non-protein allergies (like nickel allergies) generally involve the allergen (like Ni2+) binding a protein and causing it to misfold or change its conformation in some other way. Subsequently, the misfolded protein (called an epitope) is bound by the antibody, inducing an allergic response. (side note--I use the term "misfolded" very loosely here.)ProfuselyQuarky said:However, in my statement, I was referring to all types of allergies and not just food allergies.
I appreciate the clarification, TeethWhitener, since wolram was asking about the cause in the OP. Thank you.TeethWhitener said:Just to clarify, it's true that there's no single substance that causes allergies. And it's unclear why certain people are allergic to certain substances (from a genetic point of view). However, the allergic response itself is pretty well understood, and it occurs upon binding of an antibody to an allergen (which is almost always a protein). Non-protein allergies (like nickel allergies) generally involve the allergen (like Ni2+) binding a protein and causing it to misfold or change its conformation in some other way. Subsequently, the misfolded protein (called an epitope) is bound by the antibody, inducing an allergic response. (side note--I use the term "misfolded" very loosely here.)
Any timeProfuselyQuarky said:Thank you
I agree with you, I'm afraid... I'm not so sure how merely exposure to metals (or any other material) would cause the immune system to behave negatively towards it. In that case, wouldn't we all be doomed one way or another?jim mcnamara said:I'm not at all sure the metal comment is a valid point.
I once told a girl that hemoglobin contained iron and she cried, "I need to detox!"Pythagorean said:The reference to metals in the western world and the suggestion that you can "flush" them away sounds a bit too close to the whole toxin flushing fad for me.
A peanut allergy is a type of food allergy that occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies the proteins found in peanuts as harmful substances. This triggers an immune response, causing symptoms such as hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
The protein that causes the allergic reaction in peanuts is called Ara h 1. This protein is found in the peanut's skin and is responsible for triggering the immune response in people with peanut allergies. Other proteins in peanuts, such as Ara h 2 and Ara h 3, can also contribute to an allergic reaction.
Currently, there is no cure for peanut allergy. The only way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid consuming peanuts or any products that contain peanuts. However, there are ongoing research studies looking into potential treatments, such as immunotherapy, that could potentially desensitize individuals to peanuts over time.
Yes, it is possible for peanut allergy to develop later in life, even if you have previously consumed peanuts without any issues. While peanut allergies are more commonly diagnosed in children, they can also develop in adults. It is important to stay vigilant and watch for any potential symptoms or reactions to peanuts, even if you have never had an issue with them before.
Yes, there are other foods that can cause a reaction in people with peanut allergy. This is because peanuts belong to the legume family, which includes foods like beans, lentils, and soybeans. Some individuals with peanut allergy may also experience cross-reactivity to these foods, meaning their immune system mistakenly identifies the proteins in these foods as harmful. It is important to consult with a doctor or allergist to determine which foods to avoid if you have a peanut allergy.