A 30-year-old woman presents in the emergency room with hives. After a full examination, it is determined that the zoo she visited that morning caused the reaction. What was the most likely cause of this response?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hives are a common symptom of a type I hypersensitivity reaction, which is also known as an immediate hypersensitivity reaction. This type of reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to a foreign substance, such as an allergen, and releases histamine and other chemicals that cause inflammation and allergic symptoms. In this case, it is likely that the woman had an allergic reaction to an animal, plant, or insect at the zoo that triggered her immune system to respond in this way.

A 30-Year-Old Woman Presents in the Emergency Room with Hives