Answer and explanation:
8. What can be concluded from the evidence that coughs and sneezes are natural reflexes and from the evidence that our immune system attacks allergens?
Coughing and sneezing are natural defense mechanisms that consist of the sudden expulsion of air from the respiratory tract, with the intention of expelling any substance harmful to the body.
Allergies are the product of an exaggerated response of the body to the presence of environmental substances, such as dust, fungi and pollen, called allergens. This abnormal response is caused by an immune system previously sensitized to these substances.
Under normal conditions, the immune system is designed to defend an individual against potentially harmful elements. Coughs and sneezes are natural defense mechanisms, which are exaggerated in allergy sufferers.
9. What two possible reasons for the increase in allergies are explained in the passage?
- "Some scientists think our immune systems don't have enough to do ..." "... when our immune system have fewer germs to fight, they can get confused".
According to the excerpt, an immune system that has been inactive due to less contact with germs, looks for a way to attack any substance foreign to the body, which would be a mechanism that promotes the presence of the allergic response.
The confusion of the immune system would be given in some people by reacting in an unusual way to environmental stimuli or food, which do not affect the majority of people.
- ... "weather is warmer for longer periods now, so plants bloom longer .. release pollen, which is a common allergen".
Plant pollen is considered an aeroallergen capable of producing the response with sneezing or coughing in sensitive people.
Other evidence implies an increase in the amount of aeroallergens, as a consequence of the temperature change. A warm temperature for long periods of time promotes flowering in plants more frequently, and there is more pollen dispersed in the environment.
10. What can be concluded about the increase of allergies in the future?
In the text it can be clearly seen how, according to statistical data, the presence of allergies in more people has increased over time.
Many factors may induce an increase in the number of allergic patients in the future, such as the example provided by the passage of children less exposed to germs due to the use of increasingly available medications.
In the past, there were fewer allergies because the immune system remained active to defend the body without the help of drugs.Additionally, the increase in processed food products may be a factor that in the future increases the appearance of allergies in the population.
Again, the environmental factor plays a determining role. Over time, many climatic changes occur, which, combined with environmental pollution, may lead to increased allergies in the future.
In the images below you will find the information of the article about allergies.
