WebMD 1:01: How Do Allergies Work?
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NOAH
Allergies. They can have a big impact on your life. Leah
Oh, I know. I once dated this amazing guy who had a cat. I'm allergic. So he had to decide between me and the cat. NOAH
Which did he choose? Leah
The cat, Noah. Donald picked the cat. OK? Now, let's learn about these allergies that ruined my life. Allergies happen when your immune system thinks a substance, like stupid pet dander, is a dangerous intruder. NOAH
When a person with allergies is exposed to an allergen-- through food, insect bites, or even pollen-- the body produces a large quantity of antibodies. Leah
Those antibodies then cause some cells to release chemicals into the bloodstream, one of which is histamine. NOAH
The histamine then acts on the eyes, nose, throat, lungs, skin, or gastrointestinal tract, and causes the symptoms of an allergic reaction. [SNEEZES]
Leah
Stupid histamines. NOAH
Hey, come on. They're only trying to help. Leah
Whatever. Reactions can range from mild to severe, where emergency medical treatment is needed. But most of the time, some medication will do the trick. NOAH
And people can be allergic to almost anything, from foods to medications to grass, ragweed, to animal dander, from dogs and cats-- Katz's Deli-- ca-- nondogs. Leah
Cats. You can say it. Cats. I am over Donald and that dumb Mr. Snugglebottoms. NOAH
Yeah. Clearly. [MUSIC PLAYING]