Which is a common sign or symptom of a negative reaction to a normally harmless substance in the environment?

Which is a common sign or symptom of a negative reaction to a normally harmless substance in the environment?

• A. Itchy eyes
• B. Sore throat
• C. Fever
• D. Cough

Answer: (A)

When the body encounters a harmless environmental substance, like pollen or dust, it can mount an allergic response. This happens because the immune system releases histamines, which trigger itching and other local reactions in areas exposed to the allergen. The eyes are a common target, so itchy eyes with accompanying tearing or redness are classic signs of allergic conjunctivitis. Fever is typically tied to infections, sore throat can come from irritation or illness, and a cough has many causes beyond allergies, so they’re less specific to a typical environmental allergic reaction. Therefore, itchy eyes best reflect a common allergic reaction to a normally harmless environmental substance.

When the body encounters a harmless environmental substance, like pollen or dust, it can mount an allergic response. This happens because the immune system releases histamines, which trigger itching and other local reactions in areas exposed to the allergen. The eyes are a common target, so itchy eyes with accompanying tearing or redness are classic signs of allergic conjunctivitis. Fever is typically tied to infections, sore throat can come from irritation or illness, and a cough has many causes beyond allergies, so they’re less specific to a typical environmental allergic reaction. Therefore, itchy eyes best reflect a common allergic reaction to a normally harmless environmental substance.