How does a reaction caused by an irritant fundamentally differ from a typical allergic response?
Answer
It is a physical or chemical consequence involving direct tissue damage, distinct from immunity.
An irritant provokes a localized, negative reaction through direct physical or chemical action that results in observable damage or adverse effects on the exposed tissue cells. This process contrasts sharply with an allergic reaction, which is fundamentally mediated by the specific immune system. Allergies involve the immune system recognizing the substance after an initial sensitization period, often utilizing memory responses, whereas irritant reactions are non-allergic inflammatory events stemming from immediate cellular insult or barrier compromise.
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