Question 18
If a child was allergic to a substance scratched onto their skin, the area turned red and swollen within about 10 minutes. Which of the following would cause these symptoms?
Answer
Release of interleukin-10
Recruitment of B cells
Release of histamine
The presence of flatworms
The presence of dust mites
sorry Ms. Sue
To determine the cause of the child's symptoms, we need to analyze the given options.
1. Release of interleukin-10: Interleukin-10 is an anti-inflammatory molecule and does not typically cause redness or swelling. So, this option can be eliminated as a potential cause.
2. Recruitment of B cells: B cells are a type of white blood cells involved in the immune response. While they play a crucial role in the body's defense mechanism, they do not directly cause redness or swelling on the skin. Thus, this option is unlikely to be the cause.
3. Release of histamine: Histamine is a chemical released by mast cells during an allergic reaction. When histamine is released, it can cause redness, swelling, and itching, among other symptoms. Given the child's reaction after scratching the skin, the release of histamine is a likely cause.
4. The presence of flatworms: Flatworms are a type of parasitic worm and their presence would not directly cause redness or swelling on the skin. Therefore, this option can be eliminated.
5. The presence of dust mites: Dust mites are microscopic pests that can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. However, in this scenario, the child's symptoms occur instantly upon scratching the skin, which suggests a more immediate cause. Dust mite allergies typically take longer to develop noticeable symptoms. Thus, this option is unlikely to be the cause.
Based on the information provided, the most probable cause of the child's symptoms is the release of histamine.