Read the article and choose the best option out of the four given
Прочитайте текст и выполните задания 12–18. В каждом задании запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.
Allergy: Concepts and Treatments
We all have a recognition and defense system in our bodies, which is called the immune system. The immune system is made up of cells, substances called antibodies, and many other components. When we are vaccinated or when we get infected by a microorganism that can cause disease, our immune system aims to develop cells and antibodies that will protect us against that specific microorganism. Antibodies are molecules produced by cells called B cells, and antibodies have the ability to bind to the invading microorganism, to prevent or combat an infection. However, in an allergy, the immune system reacts in a different way.
An allergy occurs when, for some reason, the immune system creates a response against a harmless substance, like pollen or a certain kind of food. Allergies are very common, and it is estimated that around one in three people has some type of allergy. Allergy can generate a reaction in any part of the body. For example, a food allergy can cause problems in the intestines, with symptoms, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Allergy can show up in the lungs in the form of allergic asthma, causing difficulty breathing and overproduction of mucus.
Although we know a lot about how allergic reactions occur, the exact reason why some people develop allergies while others do not is still a mystery. We know that there is a genetic predisposition, meaning that if your mother or father have allergies, you are more likely to also have allergies. Factors in the environment also play a role in the likelihood of developing allergies, such as place of living, lifestyle factors, dietary habits, and medicines.
If you have a positive allergy test, and you know which allergen(s) you are allergic to, the best treatment is to avoid contact with those allergens. However, it is easier to avoid contact with some allergens, like peanuts or milk, than it is to avoid airborne allergens, like dust or pollen. Can you imagine not being exposed to any pollen during spring? Since it is very hard to avoid some allergens completely, particularly the airborne ones, medicines have been developed to reduce inflammation and stop the allergic reaction from occurring.
If an allergic person is exposed to a very large amount of allergen, or if the person has a very severe allergy, that person may develop a serious, body-wide reaction that can be life-threatening. This is called anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock can occur very quickly after exposure to the allergen. The person's blood pressure drops, he or she can have extreme difficulty breathing, and death can even result. Therefore, if you see someone having an anaphylactic shock, quickly call for help, because this is a true medical emergency.
The medicines developed to treat allergies are safe and helpful for relieving allergy symptoms, but they do not cure allergies. For more than 100 years, scientists have been working on developing a cure for allergic disorders. This is especially important because a part of the allergic population does not respond well to regular allergy medicines. Currently, the only treatment with the potential for cure is called immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is a treatment that regulates a person's immune system so that the person responds differently to an allergen. Immunotherapy is used for other diseases in addition to allergy, including as a treatment for certain types of cancer.
Immunotherapy for allergies involves giving increasing doses of the allergen to the allergic person, over time. There are two different allergy immunotherapies: subcutaneous, when the allergen is put under the skin of the patient (also called allergy shots) and sublingual, when the allergen is put under the tongue of the patient (also called allergy tablets). Both types of immunotherapy have strong and weak points, but they are both effective, to some extent, in reducing allergic reactions.
In conclusion, allergies are a serious health problem. Although there are medicines that relieve allergy symptoms, the only cure for allergy is the use of immunotherapy, which changes the patient's response to the allergen. Immunotherapy is usually prescribed for patients that do not respond to the usual medicines. Scientists all over the world are still working on understanding allergies so that they can develop better treatments and possibly even a cure for allergies.
What is the function of antibodies?
Production of B cells.
Binding to microorganisms.
Prevention of infections.
Immune system support.
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Why do allergies occur?
Because the immune system responds to harmless substances.
Because the immune system reacts to some kinds of food.
Because the immune system generates a reaction in different body parts.
Because the immune system causes problems in the body.
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Why were medicines to fight allergies created?
It is impossible to avoid airborne allergens.
It is impossible to avoid food allergens.
It helps to reduce inflammation.
It helps to stop the allergic reaction.
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This in "This is called anaphylactic shock." (paragraph 5) refers to...
Severe allergy.
Serious body-wide reaction.
Exposure to a high concentration of allergens
Life-threatening reaction.
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What does the author say about medicines to treat allergies?
They may cure allergies.
They are currently in development.
They are useless for the majority of people.
They may relieve allergy symptoms.
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How does immunitherapy work?
It protects the immune system from all allergens.
It increases the number of allergens in the body.
It changes the immune system to respond differently to allergens.
It reduces allergic reactions.
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How does the author summarize the article?
Allergy as an illness is impossible to fight with.
Immunotherapy cannot cure allergies fully.
Immunotherapy can fully replace usual medicines.
Better treatments for allergies are still in progress.
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The maximum score is 7 points for 7 correct answers.
For each correct answer, 1 point is given.
The score for the task:[ ] out of 7.