Q 01/05

Which common digestive problem, caused by lacking an enzyme, is often mistaken for a milk allergy?

A) Celiac disease

B) Lactose intolerance

C) Acid reflux

D) Irritable bowel syndrome

Answer · why

B) Lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a shortage of the gut enzyme lactase, not an immune reaction, so undigested milk sugar causes bloating and cramps instead of an...

Q 02/05

What is the most common immediate treatment for a severe allergic reaction?

A) Epinephrine

B) Insulin

C) Ibuprofen

D) Oral antihistamines

Answer · why

A) Epinephrine

Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, and works quickly to reverse sym...

Q 03/05

Which antibody is primarily responsible for mediating allergic reactions?

A) IgE

B) IgA

C) IgG

D) IgM

Answer · why

A) IgE

IgE is thought to have evolved to fight parasitic worms and venoms; in allergy the same antibody raises the alarm over harmless things such as pollen.

Q 04/05

What common environmental allergen comes from trees, grasses, and weeds?

A) Mold

B) Pollen

C) Pet dander

D) Dust mites

Answer · why

B) Pollen

Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds is a widespread outdoor allergen, causing seasonal allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever.

Q 05/05

Hay fever in Japan is caused primarily by pollen from which tree?

A) Sakura (cherry)

B) Sugi (Japanese cedar)

C) Momiji (Japanese maple)

D) Matsu (Japanese pine)

Answer · why

B) Sugi (Japanese cedar)

Sugi, the Japanese cedar, was planted en masse after World War II for timber, and its spring pollen now triggers hay fever in a large share of the cou...