All about allergy

An allergy is an immune reaction of the immune system to normally harmless substances. These are called antigens or allergens. You can, for example in pollen, foods, animal hair etc. exist. The immune systems of humans normally combated invaders such as bacteria and viruses and protects the body. Where the defense system against but actually harmless substances, this is an allergic reaction. The most common allergy to vegetable and animal proteins before. According to current studies suffer from at least 40 percent of the German population during their lifetime at least once to an allergic reaction.  There are four different types of allergy: 1. I immediate allergy from This is the most common form of allergic reaction. After contact with an allergen the person responded immediately with an allergy (eg pollen allergy, animal dander, insect venom allergy). 2. Allergietyp II This involves a so-called cytotoxic reaction, ie cells of the body’s own immune cells access and damage them. 3. Allergietyp III This is a common form of drug allergy. In this Allergietyp bind to antibodies in the blood dissolved substances such as drugs. These accumulate in the tissue and can lead to inflammation. 4. Allergietyp IV In this Allergietyp is a Spätreaktion the earliest, twelve to 48 hours after allergen contact occurs (eg, contact allergy). In addition, under certain circumstances, trigger allergies, it can also contribute to year-round allergic rhinitis, which in is triggered by allergens, which are available all year round. Causes of allergies The cause of an allergy is a malfunction in the immune system and resulting in excessive immune response. Normally the immune system reacts to invaders such as viruses or bacteria, it creates specific antibodies, and so is immune however. The next contact with the same intruder “reminds” the immune system produces antibodies. The same happens in an allergy principle: after contact with a specific allergen, the antibody organism. Thus, the organism is sensitized to the allergen and produces the next contact with the allergen antibodies which cause an allergic reaction. The predisposition to an allergic reaction is inherited. Where both parents are allergic, it develops the child with a probability of about 60 percent even an allergy. Even if the parents no allergy is present, the likelihood of an allergy to develop in five to 15 percent. In recent years, the number of allergy has increased considerably. One assumes that this also changed living conditions, environmental influences and stress also play a role. Symptoms of allergy As long as allergens in the body are joined in an allergy symptoms. The nature of complaints depends on the reaction from. In the case of immediate allergy symptoms like runny nose flow, itching, breathing problems and skin rashes may occur. Examples of immediate allergy are hay fever, asthma, food allergies, insect venom allergies, or the allergic (anaphylactic) shock. It usually affects multiple organ systems simultaneously and can be within a few minutes can cause death. It is extremely rare. When Allergietyp II are the body’s own cells so damaged that they are absorbed by the body are classified as allergens. This type of allergy is very rare. Examples of this type are allergic transfusion incidents and rhesus incompatibility in the newborn. The Allergietyp III expressed as an articular disease or vascular inflammation. This is the allergic reaction after a few hours. It shows itself as a local inflammatory reaction, which is on the skin usually in the form of a skin rash (exanthema) displays, possibly in conjunction with Einblutungen, damage to the skin and itching. Type IV allergy is also known as Spättypallergie, because the reaction time delay occurs. Examples are graft rejection and contact allergies such as nickel allergy. Diagnosis of allergy: skin test, blood test and provocation test First step in diagnosis of allergy is a detailed survey of the stakeholders. The doctor will analyze the circumstances under which the complaint occurred and whether cases of allergies in the family occurred.

In addition, the physician various allergy tests are available. These can be divided into skin tests, blood tests and provocation test groups. Skin tests There are a number of skin tests, although the best known is the prick. This brings the doctor certain allergen extracts, which he believed to cause the allergy to the skin and scratched it with a small lancet at. By the skin reaction, the doctor then after about 15 minutes, which is the triggering allergen. The prick is immediate allergies such as pollen allergy applied. Another is the skin test reactions. It will be a different allergens impregnated with plaster on the back and stuck the result after 48 to 72 hours off. This test can mainly contact allergy can be detected. Other skin tests, which are applied to determine allergies, the Reibetest, the Scratch-Reibetest and Intrakutantest. Blood Tests For blood test for an allergy, a blood sample in the laboratory on certain factors, including the levels of specific immunoglobulin (IgE - an antibody), were examined. Since the blood test is not charged, it will be mainly in young children and people with serious skin conditions applied. Provocation Test The provocation test is usually only applied when there is still doubt about the diagnosis of allergy exist. The allergy has the potential allergens inhale, swallow or are injected him. A provocation test involves risks such as over-reaction or in the worst case, anaphylactic shock and is therefore only under constant medical supervision in a practice or clinic. Treatment of Allergies The first step of therapy for an allergy is a contact with the allergen to avoid (allergen Waiting). Since this is not always possible, the doctor may prescribe medications that dampen the immune system and allergic response of the body weaken. This is often used cortisone. Antihistamines prevent the already released chemical messengers in the body’s histamine effect. These medications only relieve symptoms, they do not cure those affected by his allergies. At various allergies such as hay fever, insect venom allergy or house dust mite allergy is a possibility of a hyposensitization. This is also known as desensitization or specific immunotherapy described. This is the allergy under medical supervision over a longer period of time a diluted allergen solution administered, although the concentration is slowly increased. By Desensitization, a tolerance to the allergen in question be achieved, so that the complaints for a prolonged period (up to six years) to disappear. History of allergies As there are a multitude of manifestations of an allergy is, of course can not consistently be predicted. Allergies can recede, over the years remain the same or even change. Depending on the allergy reaction may be complications over the years such as chronic inflammation of the sinuses or bronchial asthma develop. Therefore you should always treat allergies known. Preventing Allergies When an existing allergy you should, if possible, to avoid contact with the allergen. In addition, allergies do not smoke. Certain occupations carry a higher risk of allergy, as it increasingly is exposed to potential allergens. These occupations include, for example, bakers, hairdressers, hospital staff and many more people who know their allergies, allergy should always have a passport and possibly emergency medication with them. Pregnant women should not smoke in pregnancy, since this is the risk of allergy of the child increased. In hereditary biased families should the babies four to six month full-fed. If this is not possible, it should be hypo-allergenic infant formula fed. Baby foods should be as late and will be gradually zugefüttert. In the first year of life should be eggs, fish and nuts avoided. Also, the environment plays a role: Sun should not be purchased felltragenden animals and no dust catchers like heavy curtains, etc. in the nursery attached. Nor should you in a gentle, charming as poor skin care ensured. Of course children should not be exposed to tobacco smoke.

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All about allergy