1. Noncommunicable Diseases
Chapter 19
Noncommunicable Diseases
Lesson 5
Allergies and Asthma
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2. An extreme sensitivity to a substance
allergy
An extreme sensitivity to a substance
allergens
Substances that cause allergic responses
A powdery substance released by the flowers of some plants
pollen
Click to reveal the definitions.
The chemicals in the body that cause the symptoms of the allergic reaction
histamines

3. Raised bumps on the skin that are very itchy
hives
Raised bumps on the skin that are very itchy
Medicines that help control the effects triggered by histamines
antihistamines
A condition in which the small airways in the lungs narrow, making breathing difficult
asthma
Click to reveal the definitions.
Reliever medications used to relax the muscles around the air passages
bronchodilator

4. In this lesson, you will learn to
describe how to manage an allergic reaction.
explain what happens during an asthma attack.
identify ways to manage asthma.

5. Comparing and Contrasting
Identify the similarities and differences between the symptoms and treatments of allergies and asthma.

6. What Are Allergies?
When a person has an allergy, his or her immune system may react to a harmless substance.
allergy An extreme sensitivity to a substance
Your immune system reacts to foreign substances in your body by trying to weaken or eliminate them. As it reacts, it releases antibodies that fight the foreign substances.

7. What Are Allergies?
When an allergen enters or comes in contact with a person’s body, the immune system reacts as though it were harmful.
When people are allergic to cats, for example, their allergic response is usually caused by dander on the cat’s skin or fur. When people are allergic to ragweed, it is the tiny pollen grains from the plant that cause the allergic reaction, not the plant as a whole.
allergen Substances that cause allergic reactions

8. What Are Allergies?
Every day, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency measures the amount of pollen in the air.
pollen A powdery substance released by the flowers of some plants
The amount of pollen in the air is reported in newspapers and on radio and television.

9. What Are Allergies? Common Allergens Insect bites or stings Pollen
When people are allergic to cats, for example, their allergic response is usually caused by dander on the cat’s skin or fur. When people are allergic to ragweed, it is the tiny pollen grains from the plant that cause the allergic reaction, not the plant as a whole.
Common allergens include pollen, insect bites or stings, food, and plants.
Food
Plants

10. Allergic Reactions
Allergens bind to white blood cells called lymphocytes, which then release histamines.
histamines Chemicals in the body that cause the symptoms of the allergic reaction
Allergic reactions can range from minor irritations to severe problems.
Most allergic reactions happened within seconds or minutes of the time the allergen enters the body.

11. Some people get hives as a reaction to an allergen.
Allergic Reactions
Some people get hives as a reaction to an allergen.
hives Raised bumps on the skin that are very itchy

12. Body Responses to Allergens
Allergic Reactions
Body Responses to Allergens
Eyes
Throat
Skin
redden, itch, water, eyelids swell
difficulty swallowing
redness, rash, hives, itching
Respiratory System
Digestive System
runny nose, sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing
pain, cramps, diarrhea, nausea

13. How to Manage Allergies
The three basic ways to manage allergies are:
Avoid the allergen
Take medications, such as antihistamines
Get injections
Avoid the allergen:
If you have a food allergy, learn to read ingredient labels. Ask about the ingredients of foods in restaurants. Avoid plants or animals that you are allergic to.
Take medications:
Antihistamines may relieve itching and redness around the eyes and nose.
Get injections:
In severe cases, a long-term series of injections is needed. The injections contain a tiny amount of the allergen to help the body build up an immunity.
antihistamines Medicines that help control the effects triggered by histamines

14. More than 20 million people in the United States have asthma.
What is Asthma?
More than 20 million people in the United States have asthma.
asthma A condition in which the small airways in the lungs narrow, making breathing difficult
Some people outgrow their asthma, while others develop the disease in adulthood.

15. What is Asthma? An Asthma Attack
Healthy bronchial tubes are clear and open. Air passes easily through them to fill tiny air sacs in the lungs.
During an asthma attack, muscles around the bronchial tubes tighten. The tubes narrow and their inner lining swells. Excess mucus clogs airways, making breathing difficult.

16. Strenuous Physical Activity
What is Asthma?
Asthma Triggers
Tobacco Smoke
Air Pollution
Animal Dander
Cold Air
A substance that triggers and attack in one person may have no effect on someone else.
Strenuous Physical Activity
Strong Emotions
Stress

17. Strategies for managing asthma include: Manage the environment
How to Manage Asthma
Strategies for managing asthma include:
Manage the environment
Manage stress
Take medication
Bronchodilators
Manage the environment:
Avoid triggers that can cause asthma attacks
Manage stress:
Stress is a major cause of asthma attacks. Learn to manage stress in healthful ways.
Take medication:
There are two types of asthma medicines.
Relievers help reduce symptoms during an asthma attack.
Controller medications are often taken daily and help prevent asthma attacks from occurring.
bronchodilators Reliever medications used to relax the muscles around the air passages

18. What I Learned Vocabulary Define allergy and asthma. Lesson 5 Review
An allergy is an extreme sensitivity to a substance. Asthma is a serious chronic condition that causes air passages in the respiratory system to become narrow or blocked.

19. Lesson 5 Review
What I Learned
Give Examples What are three ways to manage an asthma attack?
Manage the environment, manage stress, and take medication.

20. Lesson 5 Review
What I Learned
Describe What are some common symptoms of an allergic reaction?
itchy eyes, runny nose, difficulty swallowing or breathing, skin rash, hives

21. What I Learned Identify Name four common types of allergens.
Lesson 5 Review
What I Learned
Identify Name four common types of allergens.
pollen, insect bites or stings, food, plants

22. Lesson 5 Review
Thinking Critically
Synthesize If your friend is having an asthma attack, what are two ways you could help your friend?
Sample answer: Calmly alert a trusted adult about the attack. Offer to quickly get the inhaler for the person.

23. Lesson 5 Review
Thinking Critically
Hypothesize If someone has a food allergy, why do you think it is important for that person to be careful when eating in restaurants?
Sample answer: People may be allergic to unknown ingredients in restaurant food.

24. Noncommunicable Diseases
End of
Chapter 19
Noncommunicable Diseases
Lesson 5
Allergies and Asthma
Click for:
>> Main Menu
>> Chapter 19 Assessment