1.
Which of the following is the most common food allergy?
Correct Answer
B. Milk
Explanation
Milk is the most common food allergy because it contains a protein called casein, which is often the allergen. Milk allergies are more common in children and can cause symptoms such as hives, digestive issues, and respiratory problems. It is important to note that a milk allergy is different from lactose intolerance, which is the inability to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk.
2.
A food allergy is different than a food intolerance because a food intolerance does not involve the nervous system.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
This statement is false. The difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance is not related to the involvement of the nervous system. A food allergy is an immune system response to a specific food, while a food intolerance is a digestive system response to a certain food. The nervous system is not directly involved in either condition.
3.
A food allergy involves the ______ system.
Correct Answer
immune
Explanation
A food allergy involves the immune system. When someone has a food allergy, their immune system mistakenly identifies certain proteins in the food as harmful and releases chemicals to fight against them. This immune response can lead to various symptoms such as itching, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and even life-threatening reactions like anaphylaxis. The immune system plays a crucial role in protecting the body from harmful substances, but in the case of a food allergy, it overreacts to harmless proteins in food.
4.
What is a symptom of a food allergy?
Correct Answer
C. Swelling of airways to the lungs
Explanation
Swelling of the airways to the lung is the only correct answer because all the other answers are symptoms of food intolerances.
5.
When you have an allergic reaction, antibodies attach themselves to _____ cells.
Correct Answer
B. Mast
Explanation
When you have an allergic reaction, antibodies attach themselves to mast cells. Mast cells are a type of white blood cell that play a key role in the immune response. They release histamine and other chemicals when triggered by allergens, causing symptoms such as inflammation, itching, and swelling. Antibodies, specifically IgE antibodies, bind to mast cells and trigger the release of these chemicals, leading to the allergic reaction.
6.
Food allergies can only occur in humans.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
This statement is false because food allergies can occur in animals as well, not just humans. Many animals, including dogs, cats, and horses, can develop allergies to certain foods just like humans. These allergies can cause similar symptoms such as itching, vomiting, and diarrhea. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that food allergies can only occur in humans.
7.
You can find out if you have a food allergy by going to the doctor and getting a finger prick or blood test.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
This statement is true because a doctor can determine if you have a food allergy by conducting a finger prick or blood test. These tests can detect the presence of specific antibodies in your blood that are associated with an allergic reaction to certain foods. By analyzing the results of these tests, the doctor can confirm whether or not you have a food allergy.
8.
What is the most severe reaction a person can have if they are allergic to food?
Correct Answer
C. Anaphylactic shock
Explanation
Anaphylactic shock is the most severe reaction a person can have if they are allergic to food. It is a life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. It can occur within minutes of exposure to the allergen and requires immediate medical attention.
9.
A person who cannot have bread or flour products is allergic to what food product?
Correct Answer
A. Wheat/Gluten
Explanation
A person who cannot have bread or flour products is allergic to wheat or gluten. Wheat is a common ingredient in bread and flour products, and gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Therefore, if someone is allergic to wheat or gluten, they would need to avoid consuming these products to prevent an allergic reaction.
10.
A serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction is called.
Correct Answer
B. Anaphylaxis
Explanation
Anaphylaxis is a serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It occurs when the immune system overreacts to an allergen, such as certain foods, medications, or insect stings. Symptoms of anaphylaxis can include difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat and tongue, hives, low blood pressure, and rapid heartbeat. If not treated promptly, anaphylaxis can lead to loss of consciousness and even death. Therefore, anaphylaxis is the correct answer to the question.