Allergy is an abnormal response of ourimmune system to normally harmless substances. The findings that arise as a result of these responses of our body to the substances to which it is allergic may differ depending on the organ it affects. These findings may be mild or severe, such as life-threatening anaphylaxis (shock). Assistant Chest Diseases Specialist. Assoc. Dr. Hande İkitimur wrote about the effects of foreign substances called allergens on the body and treatment methods for allergies.
Dr. İkitimur said, “Allergy is an abnormal response of our immune system to normally harmless substances. These substances, defined as allergen (such as house dust, pollen), can enter our body through the respiratory tract, skin, mouth or injection. "Allergy occurs under the influence of environmental factors in individuals with a family history of allergic diseases," he said. is emerging. If allergic reactions in the respiratory system occur in the nose, allergic rhinitis occurs, and if they occur in the lungs and airways, asthma occurs. Stating that allergens cannot only be ingested through breathing, İkitimur said, “The food proteins we take with food can also cause allergic reactions. Today, food allergies constitute the most important cause of anaphylaxis. Food allergies also play a role in the development of diseases such as allergic stomach and esophagus diseases (gastritis and esophagitis), atopic dermatitis (eczema), and eye allergies (conjunctivitis). "Drug allergies and bee allergy are other types of allergies that should not be forgotten and questioned," he said.
Dr. İkitimur, “Trigger factors to which the patient is exposed, as well as allergens, play an important role in the emergence of an allergic reaction. "Exercise, cigarette smoke, air pollution, infections and stress have the most important place among the triggers," he said.
Protection from Allergens is One of the Most Important Steps of Treatment
Allergic diseases. Stating that protection from the allergens that cause the disease is one of the most important steps in the treatment, Dr. İkitimur , “It should not be forgotten that the better environmental control is achieved, the better the control of the disease will be. Although it is not always easy for an allergy patient to control environmental factors, controlling indoor allergens depends on the person's own skills. "Although it is impossible to completely eliminate mites, which can be found almost everywhere in our daily lives, exposure can be greatly reduced by taking some precautions," he said.
Get Rid of Your Allergies with Immunotherapy
Allergic Stating that the drugs used in the treatment of diseases are effective when used appropriately, Dr. İkitimuremphasized that control of the disease is often achieved without any problems with these drugs, and that since allergic diseases are chronic, the drugs may need to be used for a long time.
Dr. İkitimur: “Immunotherapy (vaccine therapy) is the only treatment method that has both therapeutic qualities and the ability to change the course of allergic diseases. It has currently been observed to be effective and safe in respiratory diseases such as allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma and in the treatment of venom (bee) allergy. "While immunotherapy is performed in the form of injections, today oral preparations are available for use against pollen and mite allergies," he said. ikitimur shared the following details about vaccine treatment: “Allergens are started from very small amounts and gradually increased so as not to cause a reaction. During this long process, some changes occur in our immune system, which we call tolerance. Over time, the reaction to allergens becomes less frequent and the symptoms of the disease decrease. This process does not occur the same in every patient. While some patients respond better, there may be others who do not benefit from vaccine treatment. For this reason, patient selection must be made very carefully. The effect of immunotherapy usually begins when the maintenance dose is started. If the effect does not begin after a year, a change in treatment is on the agenda.
Dr. İkitimur concluded his words as follows: “The duration of immunotherapy may last between 3-5 years depending on the response of the patient. Immunotherapy must be performed in a hospital setting where emergency intervention can be performed. "It should be done immediately and patients should be observed for about 30 minutes after vaccination." It should not be forgotten that immunotherapy is not the only treatment method in allergy treatment and that environmental control must be achieved and maintained.
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