All you need to know about allergies

An allergy is an exaggerated response of the immune system identifies as harmful as some substances (allergens) that generally do not affect most people.

There are many types of allergens:

• Inhaled or airborne allergens (mites, pollens, animal hair, environmental fungi)
• Foods (milk proteins, egg, fruit, fish, legumes, nuts)
• Medications (anti-inflammatories, antibiotics)
• Contact (nickel, perfumes chromium)
• Insect venom (wasp, bee)

This immune response produces a set of inflammatory disorders in the skin and mucous membranes, causing various symptoms of allergic diseases.

In the consultation of Allergology different allergic diseases that can occur in both children and adults are met

Why allergies occur?

Genetics is a very important factor in this field is estimated that, if one parent has allergies, the child has a 50% willingness to have it, being about 70% if both parents are allergic.

However, it should be noted that one is not born allergic, but with genetic predisposition and exposure to various environmental factors, allergy develops over time.

How are allergies diagnosed?

Prick tests are tests to diagnose allergies classic these diseases. Consist apply various allergen extracts to the skin, typically on the upper arm.

Once applied, the extracts are introduced by puncturing the skin, so that penetrates and interacts with the patient's immune system. If a small rash and redness occurs at the site of application, then the patient is allergic to that particular substance.

These tests are very reliable, fast and easy. In addition, you can perform whenever there is any suspicion of allergic disease and there is no age limit. In some cases, you may also need evidence of the antibody immunoglobulin E (IgE) blood specific determinations made.

Are allergies can be cured?

For any suspected allergy, it is vital to conduct a thorough allergy study to determine the degree of sensitization of the patient to the substance and thus determine the appropriate treatment based on three fundamental pillars:

• Measures to avoid
• Treating symptoms with drugs
• Specific treatment with vaccines or immunotherapy allergy

This last point is the one that can significantly improve allergic disease, managing to reduce the need for medication or even causing it to disappear completely.