Atopic allergy

It is common to call atopic allergic reactions, which differ in local manifestation and refer to the anaphylactic type. To such forms of diseases it is possible to attribute allergic manifestations from bronchial asthma, hives, dermatitis or conjunctivitis.

Atopic allergies have a number of characteristics in comparison with simple allergic reactions. First, atopic reactions can occur regardless of the presence of antigens. The cause of the emergence and aggravation can be even a change in temperature or an increased rate of radiation contamination. Secondly, atopic allergy can also occur when the factor causing the allergic reaction to the body, both respiratory and any other.

In addition, such allergic reactions can occur immediately after the first contact with the allergen. The next feature is that the genetic predisposition affects atopic forms of allergy. And the last, but very important factor is the almost complete absence of a latent period in such reactions.

[1], [2], [3], [4]

Causes of atopic allergy

The causes of atopic allergic reactions can be divided into three groups: 

1. Human genetics - affects a person's direct predisposition to the emergence of a number of atopic allergies. Practice shows that in 50% of cases the atopic allergy occurs in people whose relatives already suffered from a similar disease. 
2. Environmental factors - complement the genetic predisposition. Factors of influence include permanent contact with the allergen, physical activity, diet and sensitization. In addition, recently there has been a tendency towards the formation of small families with a small number of children. Accordingly, and guardianship is a big one - there are early cases of vaccination, the use of antibiotics, - children's organisms simply do not get to develop antigens on their own, which leads to weakening of the self-healing functions of the body and an increased likelihood of atopic allergy. 
3. Local factors - this includes the physiological characteristics of the body and internal organs, in particular - adhesion molecules of the epithelium of the bronchi or skin.

Allergic reactions of atopic forms can occur for any of the above-mentioned reasons. And, the more factors from the three possible groups will be combined, the more complex the form of allergy can be. Allergens can be ordinary domestic dust, animals, pollen of plants, products of vital activity of small insects, etc., the main thing - to protect yourself from subsequent contacts with the allergen (if possible) and adhere to the proper treatment.

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Symptoms of atopic allergy

Symptoms of atopic allergy are similar to those of ordinary allergic reactions. These include sneezing, rhinorrhea, and damage to the upper and lower respiratory tract. It can also be an itch of the skin or eyes. For atopic allergic reactions are also characterized by edema of nasal concha, dyspnea, conjunctivitis, skin lichenification. Subsequently, these symptoms can cause anaphylaxis. In children, depending on the severity of the allergic condition, an allergic person may develop. This symptom is distinguished by a narrow chin, a high curved palate and an elongated upper jaw with a deep bite.

Symptoms of atopic allergy are immediately apparent. The main thing is to find the allergen and try to minimize your collision with him before consulting a doctor. Depending on the allergy, there may also be fever and headaches. In any case, if the allergic condition significantly worsens your life, we advise not to postpone the trip to the doctor for a long time.

Allergies and atopic dermatitis

Chronic inflammatory diseases on the skin are called atopic dermatitis. Such a disease is not contagious and the main reason for it is genetic predisposition. Atopic dermatitis manifests itself in the periodic appearance of rashes in various parts of the body with characteristic skin pruritus in these areas.

There are three forms of atopic dermatitis: diathesis, eczema and neurodermatitis.

Diathesis is a fairly common disease among infants (occurs in 50% of babies). Symptoms are small rashes and redness of the skin.

In adults, such a rash has long been called a neurodermatitis, in order to emphasize the relationship of the disease with disorders of the nervous system.

Eczema, in turn, is a skin disease characterized by an inflammatory process. In the process of inflammation, the skin passes the stages from redness and vesicles to the formation of a crust. This disease requires the most thorough treatment.

[10], [11], [12], [13], [14]

Diagnosis of atopic allergy

There are several ways to check if allergic symptoms are atopic in nature. Diagnosis of atopic allergy should be carried out in three main directions:

1. drawing up a general picture of the disease;
2. pathogenetic classification;
3. detection of allergen.

It is compliance with all three stages that will provide accurate and clear data on atopic allergy and its condition. For the first tracking of the first direction will help a thorough medical history. An anamnesis is a medical history that records seizures and their frequency, changes in symptoms, provoking factors and seasonality, if any, response to treatment and other data. Also in the history of the disease will include data on the presence in the family of such diseases and genetic predisposition.

To refute or confirm the information received in the course of anamnesis and data on the atopic nature of the observed symptoms, a number of diagnostic tests are performed. In the first place, an overall blood test is performed for eosinophilia: 5-15% of eosinophils can already show the atopic nature of the allergic reaction. For the same purpose, an analysis of nasal secretion or saliva is also carried out.

If neither anamnesis nor general analysis has yielded results, it is possible to conduct specific tests. These include a skin test. The procedure involves subcutaneous or intradermal injection of an antigen dose to identify the cause of the symptoms. The subcutaneous route of administration allows the detection of a greater number of allergens than the intradermal, although the second method is more sensitive and gives a more likely assessment of the response to an allergen than a subcutaneous injection. Specific tests are conducted exclusively by medical specialists and are not used at home. In general, atopic character of the manifested symptoms is possible only in the outpatient setting.

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Treatment of atopic allergy

Like the treatment of simple allergic reactions, atopic allergy implies, first of all, constant monitoring of the environment and the environment. If possible, reduce the collision with the allergen to a minimum. Given the typical allergens, you can make a number of recommendations for their neutralization. They include: 

1. Frequent change of bed linen and use of pillows with synthetic filler;
2. Frequent wet cleanings to fight dust and insects; 
3. Stabilization of humidity in rooms where the patient is more often and longer; 
4. Observance of personal hygiene.

Such simple recommendations will significantly reduce the frequency of contact with the allergen, but not cure for allergies. For the complete treatment of the disease it is possible to use a number of antihistamine, homeopathic and immunomodulating agents.

The purpose of using antihistamines is the blocking of histamine receptors. To do this, use H2-blockers, which reduce the release of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which positively affects the treatment of an allergic reaction.

Antihistamines usually have the form of nasal or eye drops. The purpose and application depends on the degree of allergic reaction, the place of rash, the physiological characteristics of the human body. Azelastine is used to treat rhinitis. It is also suitable for the treatment of eye infections along with ketotifen and emedastin. In general, antihistamines are divided into preparations of the 1 st and 2 nd generation. Preparations of the 1st generation are sedative and block cholinergic and serotonin receptors.

1st generation	2nd generation
Diphenhydramine (Dimedrol, Allergin) Clemastine (Tavegil) Doxylamine (Donormil) Chloropyramine (Supradin) Antazolin Mepiramin Chlorofeniramine	Acryvastine (Semprex) Loratadine (Claritin) Astemizole (Gismannal) Oxatomide (Tenset) Misolastine Ebastin (Kestin) Epinastine (Alesion)

The use of antihistamines is reduced to 1 tablet per day. Overdose with such drugs is terrible nausea, headaches and dizziness.

In addition, the use of homeopathic medicines is possible. It is important to know that homeopathy can not be combined with antihistamines and other medications! Treatment with homeopathic remedies lasts from 6 months and longer, but the cure effect is achieved completely by neutralizing the very cause of the disease. The choice of a homeopathic remedy is purely individual and depends on the human body and the specificity of the allergic reaction.

An overdose of medications, in the process of getting rid of allergies, threatens the patient with aggravation of the disease and the appearance of new symptoms, such as sneezing or nasal congestion. In severe cases, an overdose can lead to death.

That is why the treatment of atopic allergy requires strict adherence to the regimen of taking medications and following the recommendations of a doctor.

Prevention of atopic allergy

Prevention of atopic allergy implies several directions. First, in people who have a genetic predisposition to allergic reactions, the first thing to do is to prevent sensitization and exclude from the daily diet a standard set of allergens (citrus fruits, milk, chocolate, sweet, etc.). The second is to monitor the adequate treatment of existing allergic reactions, if any.

Potential means of preventing atopic allergy also include the maximum removal from the diet of existing and potential allergens; neutralization of dust sources that are present in the room; replacement of feathers with synthetic ones; to monitor possible mold foci in damp places (bath, sink) and prevent their appearance and development; avoid contact with chemical irritants, and reduce their communication with animals to a minimum. All this, undoubtedly, will help prevent the appearance of allergic reactions of atopic nature. Watch your environment and nutrition - this is the most effective that prophylaxis of atopic allergy can offer .