Research on Allergies
By Jonas Wilson, Ing. Med.
Allergies are exaggerated immune responses to substances that would otherwise be seen as harmless. Allergies rank high on the list among the world’s most common health conditions. They begin when an allergen, the substance responsible for the reaction, causes the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which coat mast cells. On subsequent re-exposure to the allergen, IgE reacts and causes the release of histamine and other inflammatory products from mast cells. These released substances lead to several of the signs and symptoms associated with allergies.
Patients may have experiences that range from mild and uncomfortable to severe and life-threatening. The hypersensitive reactions …show more content…
Diagnosis can be made with the help of medical history and skin testing. The mainstay of treatment is to avoid allergen exposure; however, if this is impossible, then antihistamines and other anti-inflammatory drugs are used. There are several studies being conducted that are focused on understanding the immune processes behind allergies, preventing allergy induction and building up …show more content…
Theoretically, this gradual release of allergen, overtime, can help buildup tolerance. Other research into allergen-specific therapies is looking at the possibility of modifying allergenic proteins so that the immune system no longer develops an exaggerated immune response to them. This novel approach is being taken with the help of biotechnology.
Allergen non-specific therapies
Other allergy studies are being done from an allergen-nonspecific perspective. Examples of these include the use of probiotics and anti-IgE pharmacotherapy. These studies are nonspecific, because they are independent from the allergen. Probiotics are believed to cause immunological changes that can treat and prevent eczema and food allergies. They are being investigated in mouse models. Studies regarding anti-IgE pharmacotherapy are limited, but the reasoning behind them are their potential ability to lower sensitivity by reducing IgE antibodies in a patient’s blood.
Sources
• http://my.clevelandclinic.org/childrens-hospital/health-info/diseases-conditions/childrens_overview
•
By Jonas Wilson, Ing. Med.
Allergies are exaggerated immune responses to substances that would otherwise be seen as harmless. Allergies rank high on the list among the world’s most common health conditions. They begin when an allergen, the substance responsible for the reaction, causes the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which coat mast cells. On subsequent re-exposure to the allergen, IgE reacts and causes the release of histamine and other inflammatory products from mast cells. These released substances lead to several of the signs and symptoms associated with allergies.
Patients may have experiences that range from mild and uncomfortable to severe and life-threatening. The hypersensitive reactions …show more content…
Diagnosis can be made with the help of medical history and skin testing. The mainstay of treatment is to avoid allergen exposure; however, if this is impossible, then antihistamines and other anti-inflammatory drugs are used. There are several studies being conducted that are focused on understanding the immune processes behind allergies, preventing allergy induction and building up …show more content…
Theoretically, this gradual release of allergen, overtime, can help buildup tolerance. Other research into allergen-specific therapies is looking at the possibility of modifying allergenic proteins so that the immune system no longer develops an exaggerated immune response to them. This novel approach is being taken with the help of biotechnology.
Allergen non-specific therapies
Other allergy studies are being done from an allergen-nonspecific perspective. Examples of these include the use of probiotics and anti-IgE pharmacotherapy. These studies are nonspecific, because they are independent from the allergen. Probiotics are believed to cause immunological changes that can treat and prevent eczema and food allergies. They are being investigated in mouse models. Studies regarding anti-IgE pharmacotherapy are limited, but the reasoning behind them are their potential ability to lower sensitivity by reducing IgE antibodies in a patient’s blood.
Sources
• http://my.clevelandclinic.org/childrens-hospital/health-info/diseases-conditions/childrens_overview
•