Aperson who has allergies has a compromised immune system because the body’s immune system: attacks its healthy cells. overreacts to an antigen. steals nutrients from healthy cells. responds to mutagens.

An allergen is generally a harmless substance which when comes in contact with the body causes allergies. When the immune response is generated against the less harmful antigen or allergen, the immune system is said to be compromised or weakened due to its over-activation against the antigen.

Further explanation:

A hypersensitive immune system typically reacts to harmless substances present in the environment. These substance ones inside the body cause allergic reactions or allergies which include food allergies, hay fever, and allergic asthma. Allergens are substances that cause allergies and are usually not harmful. They include food particles and pollen.

The allergen inside the body is recognized as an antigen by the immune system which activates the immunoglobulin E antibodies. The antibodies are specific for allergens which bind to them and then to the basophil or mast cell receptors. These cells on activation trigger the release of histamine which is an inflammatory chemical.  

A compromised immune system means that the immune system is not able to work efficiently and has become potentially weak. A weak immune system is unable to activate and fight against the potentially harmful antigens like viruses, fungi, and bacteria as compared to the healthy immune system. It may also lead to certain medical conditions such as diabetes, blood disorders, cancer, and heart diseases.

A person with allergies is said to have weakened immune system as it reacts even against the less harmful allergens. In such cases, the immune system becomes hyperactive as it fails to differentiate between normal healthy cells and antigens. For this reason, the overstimulation of antigen secretion is prevented by using anti-histamine drugs that protect the body from allergic reactions.

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Answer details:

Grade: Higher secondary

Subject: Immunology

Chapter: Immune System and Allergies

Keywords:

Immune system, allergies, allergic reactions, allergens, immune response, food allergies, hay fever, allergic asthma, pollen, immunoglobulin E antibodies, antibodies, mast cells, basophils, histamine, anti-histamine.