Allergic Cascade (cont.)
How does understanding the allergic cascade help?
How can we put this new understanding of allergic
reaction to good use? By looking closely at the complex
steps involved in this chain of events, scientists have
been able to find new and innovative treatments for common
and troublesome allergic illnesses.
The most basic, and best, approach to caring for
allergies is avoidance of the substances causing them, the
allergens. Some allergens such as pet dander, foods, and
medications are relatively easy to avoid. However, many
other allergens, such as dust mites, molds, and pollens are
more difficult to evade. Measures to reduce exposure to
them, however, are still essential for the optimal
treatment of allergies.
The most convenient approach to the treatment of
allergies involves taking various medications. A classic
example of an allergic medication is the standard
antihistamine. The importance of histamine in allergic
disease is illustrated by the effectiveness of
antihistamines (medically termed H1 receptor blockers) in
preventing certain allergic symptoms. They are effective
in curtailing itching, sneezing, and runny nose. However,
the more severe allergic reactions and symptoms of asthma
require different treatments. Anti-inflammatory
medications, such as steroids and leukotriene antagonists,
may be required. Medications that widen the airways
through the lungs (bronchial dilators) have also been a
mainstay in the treatment of asthma and are particularly
useful in controlling the immediate or early phase
reaction. Current research is aimed at finding medications
that are targeted at specific steps in the allergic
cascade.
The last approach to the management of allergies
attempts to interfere with the allergic antibody immune
response. Allergy shots (immunotherapy) involve
desensitizing a patient by injecting increasing amounts of
the allergens to which the person is allergic. Over time,
the immune system becomes less reactive to these allergens,
generates less IgE in response to them, and becomes more
tolerant upon re-exposure to them.
- The allergic response is usually very selective for
specific
allergens.
- T- and B-lymphocytes play important roles in the
allergic reaction.
- Mast cells and basophils release a variety of chemical
mediators and cytokines that cause allergic
inflammation.
- The immediate or "early" phase allergic reaction is
subsequently
followed by a more prolonged "late" phase reaction.
- Histamine is an important chemical mediator that causes
many of the common allergic symptoms.
- Knowledge of the allergic cascade has resulted in
effective treatments for allergy. Future research is aimed
at finding new agents that intervene at specific levels of
the allergic reaction.
Last Editorial Review: 4/1/2002
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