- An allergy, on the other hand, is a nonspecific term used to describe a lower level reaction to an antigen.
- This can be broken down into two categories:
- Delayed Hypersensitivity and
- Immediate Hypersensitivity.
- An allergy might be an immediate IgE mechanism but with less IgE involved.
- An example of a delayed hypersensitivity reaction is a rash on a persons forearm where the tape from an IV was placed. Another example is a poison ivy rash. These reactions occur hours to days following an exposure.
- Any reaction that takes more time to occur is less severe.
- An immediate hypersensitivity reaction pertain to certain allergens such as hay fever, drug allergies, food allergies, eczema and asthma.
- IgE antibodies cause the symptoms of a histamine release including angioedema.
- Signs and symptoms may occur within seconds. [6]
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