IMMUNE SYSTEM DISORDER
Improper functioning of immune system can cause comfort, disease or even death. These disorders may involve: Figure 1 1. Hypersensitivity or Allergy: Allergy means inappropriate and excessive response to common antigens. Substances causing allergic reaction are called allergens. The common allergens are dust, pollens, mould, spores, fabrics, feathers, fur, plants, bacteria, foods, heat, cold, sunlight. Parthenium flower is a common allergen in India. Allergy mostly affects the skin and the mucous membrane. Hay fever affects the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes and upper respiratory tracts. In asthma, the lower portions of the respiratory system are severely affected. In eczema , the skin becomes red, followed by the appearance of minute blisters. During allergic reaction there is increased release of histamine from mast cells. It causes marked dilation of all the peripheral blood vessels and the capillaries become highly permeable so that large amounts o...