An allergy is defined as a malfunction of the immune system, which causes a strong hypersensitivity reaction against normally harmless substances found in our natural environment, the air we breathe, the food we eat, insect bites, objects we come into contact with , as well as in medicinal substances.
The main risk factors are genetic and environmental, and people who suffer from allergies are classified as atopic.
“Substances that potentially cause an allergic reaction are called allergens and among them we find flower pollen – especially in spring -, animal hair, household dust, atmospheric fungi, some foods and medicines. In addition, severe allergies can cause insect bites. One of the flowers that causes the most serious allergies is the peony, whose pollen circulates strongly in the atmosphere,” he says. o Mr. Dionysios Giannakopoulos Allergist at Metropolitan Hospital and continues:
“There are various antibodies circulating in our blood that aim to isolate and destroy any foreign substance that can harm us. Those involved in the mechanisms of allergy are mainly immunoglobulin E (immunoglobulinE or IgE for short). The specific antibodies are activated after contact with the allergens and initiate a series of reactions. First, specific E antibodies are produced, which attach to the surface of special cells called mast cells. These cells are abundant in the nose, eyes, skin, lungs and gastrointestinal tract and contain chemicals (eg histamine), the so-called “mediators” that “capture” the allergenic substance each time.
It is worth noting that allergy is one of the most common manifestations of a disorder of the immune system and occurs in almost 1/3 of the population”, he emphasizes.
What are the symptoms caused by airborne allergens?
These symptoms mainly affect the nose, with people experiencing runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy palate and tongue and excessive mucus production, and can even lead to allergic bronchitis, cough and asthma. In addition, they can also affect the skin, showing eczema or rashes, while symptoms also appear in the eyes, with the appearance of conjunctivitis as well as redness, itching or swelling of the eyelids.
How is allergy diagnosed?
The main diagnostic methods are:
1. Allergic skin tests (skin prick tests, intradermal and PATCH TESTS)
Allergy skin tests are the most common method to detect an allergy. It is done with a light scratching of the skin, after we have previously injected one drop of each allergenic substance. If a reaction such as irritation, swelling or itching occurs, then there is an allergic predisposition to the specific substance.
2. Blood tests (RAST)
It is a blood test, more expensive than the previous one, with less immediate results. It is mainly used in cases where it is impossible to carry out skin tests.
3. Measurement of total IgE
It is mainly carried out in people with an allergic predisposition.
4. BAT (Basophil Activation Test)
5. LTT (Lymphocyte Transformation Test)
For bronchial asthma, spirometry is necessary, which is performed and repeated after the subject has taken inhalations with a β2-stimulator.
How can we prevent allergies?
Prevention is important by avoiding, as much as possible, known allergenic substances and moving away from places that are proven to be the cause of frequent and severe allergic attacks.
“There are patients who consistently present symptoms of allergic rhinitis or bronchial asthma every year, in the spring. In these cases, we must start the appropriate treatment a month or so before the start of spring, in order to avoid the manifestation of the disease or to limit the symptoms.
Nevertheless, in case of allergic symptoms, you should contact the specialist allergist so that he can recommend the appropriate treatment”, recommends the specialist.
The solution for allergies
“A first aid can come from an antihistamine, such as antihistamine pills with minimal side effects, nasal sprays of which cortisones are considered safer and with the correct dose, and inhaled asthma medications.
At the same time, for many years, there has been desensitization, the so-called allergy shots. In this treatment, by administering the allergen protein, either in the form of an injection or sublingually, the patient becomes familiar with the specific substance, as his immune system learns that this substance should not bother him”, concludes Mr. Giannakopoulos.
Source :Skai
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