Dr. Rajkumar Singh
The term “allergy” originates from the Greek words allos (meaning “other” or “different”) and ergon (meaning “work” or “reaction”). It was coined in 1906 by Austrian pediatrician Clemens von Pirquet, who used it to describe altered immune responses.The concept of allergy emerged as medical science began understanding the immune system and its role in diseases like asthma, hay fever, and anaphylaxis.In fact, an allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a substance that is typically harmless to most people and include pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, certain foods, insect stings, and medications. When the immune system identifies an allergen as a threat, it produces antibodies and releases chemicals like histamine, causing allergic reactions.Common Symptoms of Allergies:Symptoms of allergies vary depending on the type of allergen and the individual’s sensitivity but can include the following: a. Respiratory Symptoms:Sneezing, runny or stuffy nose (allergic rhinitis), itchy nose, throat, or eyes, coughing or wheezing and shortness of breath or asthma symptoms. b. Skin Reactions:Hives (raised, itchy, red welts), eczema (dry, scaly, itchy skin)and swelling (angioedema). c. Digestive Symptoms (for food allergies):Nausea, vomiting,abdominal painand diarrhea. d. Severe Reactions:anaphylaxis: A life-threatening reaction that includes difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. Immediate medical attention is required.
Diet and Precautions
Managing allergies often involves avoiding triggers and adopting a diet and lifestyle that reduces the risk of allergic reactions. Diet Recommendations:For Food Allergies:a. Avoid Allergen Triggers:Identify and avoid foods that trigger your allergy (e.g., peanuts, shellfish, dairy, eggs).Read food labels carefully for hidden allergens.Substitute Safe Alternatives:Use plant-based milk (e.g., almond, soy, or oat milk) if allergic to cow’s milk.Opt for gluten-free products if you have a wheat allergy or celiac disease.Consume Hypoallergenic Foods:Rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes, and most vegetables are generally safe.Incorporate Anti-inflammatory Foods:Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., salmon, flaxseeds) and antioxidants (e.g., berries, spinach) to reduce inflammation.b. For Respiratory Allergies (E.g., Pollen, Dust):Boost Immune Health: Eat foods rich in vitamin C (e.g., citrus fruits, bell peppers) to support the immune system.Include probiotics (e.g., yogurt, kefir) to improve gut health, which can impact immune responses.Stay Hydrated:Drinking plenty of water helps flush out allergens and reduces mucus build-up.c. Precautions to Avoid Allergens: Environmental Allergies:Keep Indoor Air Clean:Use air purifiers with HEPA filters.Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons.Regularly clean and vacuum your home to remove dust mites and pet dander.Wash Bedding Frequently:Use allergen-proof covers for pillows and mattresses.Avoid Outdoor Exposure:Limit outdoor activities during peak pollen times (early morning and windy days).Shower and change clothes after coming indoors. d. Skin Allergies:Avoid Irritants:Use hypoallergenic skincare and laundry products.Protect Skin:Wear gloves when using cleaning products or gardening.Moisturize Regularly:Use fragrance-free moisturizers to prevent skin dryness.e. Insect Allergies:Avoid wearing strong perfumes or bright clothing that attract insects.Keep food covered when outdoors.f. Medication and Emergency Precautions:Always carry antihistamines or prescribed medications for mild reactions.For severe allergies (e.g., anaphylaxis), carry an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) and know how to use it.g. General Precautions:Educate Yourself:Be aware of your triggers and communicate them to friends, family, and co-workers.Monitor Symptoms:Keep a diary to identify new triggers or patterns.
Advancements and future treatments
The field of allergy treatment has seen significant progress, with ongoing research aimed at improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden of allergic conditions. The recent advancements and promising future treatments include: a. Biological Therapies (Biologics):Monoclonal Antibodies:Drugs like omalizumab (anti-IgE) and dupilumab (anti-IL-4/IL-13) have revolutionized the management of severe asthma, atopic dermatitis, and chronic urticaria.These therapies target specific molecules in the immune response, reducing inflammation and symptoms.Targeting IL-5:Medications like mepolizumab and benralizumab are used for eosinophilic asthma, a subtype linked to high levels of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell).b. Oral Immunotherapy (OIT):Used for food allergies, particularly peanut, milk, and egg allergies.Involves gradually introducing small, controlled amounts of allergens to desensitize the immune system over time.FDA-approved treatments like Palforzia for peanut allergies are now available.c. Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy (AIT):Includes sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) and subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT):SLIT: Allergen drops or tablets are placed under the tongue.SCIT: Allergen extracts are injected under the skin.Proven to reduce symptoms of hay fever, asthma, and insect venom allergies.d. Epicutaneous Immunotherapy (EPIT):A newer approach where allergen patches are applied to the skin to desensitize the immune system.Shows promise in treating food allergies with reduced risk of systemic reactions.e. Microbiome-Based Therapies:Research on the gut microbiome reveals its critical role in immune regulation.Probiotics and prebiotics are being explored to modulate gut bacteria and reduce allergic responses.Future Treatments: a. Gene Therapy:Aims to correct or modify genes responsible for allergic conditions.Early studies focus on altering immune responses to allergens or reducing overactive immune cells.b. Crispr-Cas9 and Genome Editing:Offers the potential to “switch off” genes linked to allergic reactions, such as IgE production.Could lead to permanent cures for some allergies.c. mRNA Vaccines for Allergies:Inspired by COVID-19 vaccines, mRNA-based treatments are being developed to train the immune system to tolerate allergens without triggering harmful reactions.d. Nanotechnology in Allergy Treatment:Nanoparticles are being explored to deliver allergens or drugs directly to immune cells, reducing systemic side effects and improving efficacy.e. T-Cell Therapies:Focused on reprogramming regulatory T-cells (Tregs) to suppress allergic responses.Promising for long-term tolerance to allergens.f. Personalized Medicine:Advances in genomics and immunology allow for treatments tailored to an individual’s unique immune profile.Could involve custom immunotherapy doses or targeted biologics.Challenges and Outlook:Challenges: High costs of new therapies like biologics and immunotherapy.Ensuring long-term safety and efficacy of novel treatments.Accessibility and availability in underserved regions.Outlook:Continued research promises more effective, safer, and accessible treatments.In the context,the ultimate goal is to move from symptom management to curing or preventing allergies entirely.
(The writer is a youth motivator and former University Head, Dean, Social Sciences and Dean Students’ Welfare (DSW) of the B.N. Mandal University, Madhepura)