Immunological Aspects of Allergy
and Anaphylaxis
INTRODUCTION
Adverse responses to otherwise innocuous substances
we are exposed to constitute the crux of allergic reactions. Reaction to
exposure to these substances may vary from a slight rash, easily treated with
an antihistamine, leukotriene modifier, or corticosteroid cream, to a
multisystemic reaction, with catastrophic consequences or anaphylaxis. All that
will be discussed have, as a common factor, various aspects of the immune
system with inflammatory responses involving these seemingly innocuous
substances.
Allergic reactions may be found in up to 20 percent
of the general U.S. popula-tion, but by the age 6, 40 percent of the children
in the United States have some sort of allergic problems. Although most of
these children have respiratory prob-lems, such as allergic rhinitis or
bronchial asthma, many of those with allergies may also have atopic reactions
to foods or medi-cations. As antigens are slowly introduced into an infant’s
environment or diet, the child’s propensity to deal with these new substances
may not be developed. In addi-tion, children’s airways are small, their gastrointestinal
tracts are not developed, and their immune systems are not ready to meet the
challenges of these newly introduced proteins called allergens. Most responses are Gell and Coombs type I or immediate
hypersensitivity reaction. This reaction will be described in the next section.
Related Topics
Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions, DMCA Policy and Compliant
Copyright © 2018-2023 BrainKart.com; All Rights Reserved. Developed by Therithal info, Chennai.