An allergic reaction (/əˈlɜːrdʒɪk riˈækʃən/) (noun) is a common health issue where the body’s immune system overreacts to a harmless substance called an allergen. This vocabulary term is relevant to the IELTS exam, especially in the Listening and Reading sections, where health-related topics are frequently discussed.
Here are some synonyms and related terms:
- Hypersensitivity (noun) /ˌhaɪpərˌsɛnsɪˈtɪvɪti/: This term refers to an exaggerated immune response to a substance. Example: The patient exhibited hypersensitivity to pollen, leading to severe allergic reactions.
- Allergen (noun) /ˈælərdʒən/: This is any substance that triggers an allergic reaction. Example: Common allergens include dust mites, pet dander, and certain foods like peanuts.
- Anaphylaxis (noun) /ˌænəfɪˈlæksɪs/: A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Example: The child went into anaphylaxis after being stung by a bee.
- Intolerance (noun) /ɪnˈtɒlərəns/: This term describes difficulty digesting a certain food, often with unpleasant symptoms, but it’s not an immune response like an allergy. Example: Lactose intolerance is a common digestive issue.
Using “Allergic Reaction” in the IELTS Exam
Listening Section
You might hear “allergic reaction” in a conversation about health problems, medical consultations, or even in a lecture on the immune system.
Example:
- Recording: “…The patient reported experiencing an allergic reaction after eating shellfish. She described feeling itchy, and her throat started to swell…”
- Question: What symptom did the patient experience after eating shellfish?
- Answer: Her throat started to swell.
Reading Section
This term can appear in passages related to health articles, scientific research, or even news reports about food allergies.
Example:
- Passage Excerpt: “Food allergies are becoming increasingly common, with many people experiencing adverse reactions to ingredients like nuts, dairy, and shellfish. These allergic reactions can range from mild symptoms like hives to severe, life-threatening conditions such as anaphylaxis.”
- Question: What are some common food allergens mentioned in the passage?
- Answer: Nuts, dairy, and shellfish.
Writing Section
While less likely to be a central theme in Task 2, you could use “allergic reaction” when providing personal examples related to health or discussing the importance of food labeling and safety.
Example: (Task 1 – Describing a graph about the prevalence of allergies)
“The graph illustrates a concerning trend: the incidence of allergic reactions, particularly food allergies, has significantly increased over the past two decades.”
Speaking Section
During the Speaking test, you might use this term when discussing personal experiences with allergies, describing someone’s health condition, or even when expressing concerns about food safety.
Example:
- Examiner: “Do you have any allergies?”
- Candidate: “Yes, I have a mild allergic reaction to dust mites. I usually get a runny nose and itchy eyes if I don’t clean my apartment regularly.”
Collocations and Phrases
Here are some ways to use “allergic reaction” in combination with other words:
- Experience an allergic reaction: “Some people experience an allergic reaction to certain medications.”
- Trigger an allergic reaction: “Pollen can trigger an allergic reaction in individuals with hay fever.”
- Suffer from an allergic reaction: “The child suffered from an allergic reaction after eating peanuts.”
- Severe allergic reaction: “Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.”
- Mild allergic reaction: “She had a mild allergic reaction to the insect bite, with some redness and itching.”
Conclusion
Understanding how to use “allergic reaction” and related vocabulary accurately is crucial for achieving a good score in the IELTS exam. Familiarize yourself with the various contexts in which this term might appear and practice using it in your speaking and writing. This will help you confidently tackle any allergy-related questions or topics that come up during the test.