Food allergy is an immune system reaction triggered by specific foods. Affects 8% of children under 5 and up to 4% of adults. Symptoms typically appear within minutes to two hours after eating
EpiPen treats severe allergic reactions. Epinephrine narrows blood vessels and opens airways. Used to reduce or reverse allergic reaction symptoms
Vasodilation is the widening of blood vessels to increase blood flow. Endothelium produces vasodilatory substances like nitric oxide and prostacyclin. ANS regulates vascular tone through neurotransmitter release. Metabolic factors trigger vasodilation during increased activity
Epinephrine is a hormone secreted by adrenal medulla. It differs from norepinephrine by containing methyl group. Produced from tyrosine through methylation by adrenal chromaffin cells
Allergy is an immune system's response to harmless substances. People with allergies often react to multiple allergens. Genes and environment likely play a role in allergic reactions
Hypersensitivity is an abnormal immune response to antigens. Gell and Coombs classified hypersensitivity into four types in 1963. About 15% of humans have at least one type during their lives