Allergy Treatment Methods

The immune system, which is responsible for defending the body against the attack of external factors, sometimes shows extreme sensitivity to some effects, which is such a reaction. Allergy response originating from the immune system is a kind of disease. This disease; It occurs when a foreign molecule (antigen) entering the body causes the formation of an antibody and combines with it, that is, as a result of the antigen-antibody reaction.
The first approach for the treatment of allergic diseases is to determine the substance to which the patient is sensitive by special tests. The presence of many allergen molecules in the blood can be detected by blood tests performed under laboratory conditions. These tests are done by looking at the Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody in the blood sample. In allergic conditions, IgE antibody is usually at high levels. It is considered superior to skin tests in terms of saving time and superior to allergy-inducing tests in terms of not harming the patient. In skin reaction tests, some allergen is given to the patient's skin. Due to the ability of the IgE antibody to adhere to the skin, the skin reacts to the allergen such as redness, swelling, itching. When blood and skin tests do not give an accurate response, a nasal allergy awakening test is applied. By spraying the suspected allergen into the nostrils, it is observed whether there are reactions such as runny nose, sneezing or itching in the throat. In some cases, the allergen cannot be detected as a result of the tests performed. In such cases, applications are made to eliminate the symptoms of the allergen instead of treatment.
After the allergen to which the patient reacts is determined, the approach to be taken should be the elimination of the allergen. Sick individuals with pollen allergy should prefer to stay indoors by keeping the windows and doors closed during the spring months when the amount of pollen increases. When the leaves that fall in autumn are moistened with rain, it causes mold spores to appear. Mold spores that form spread easily with the wind, and being outdoors at these times negatively affects patients with mold allergy. If the patient shows an allergic reaction to substances such as dust or wool, he should follow the cleaning rules meticulously. In some cases, the allergen is difficult to eliminate.
Sensitization therapy can be applied to eliminate the effects of the allergen. This treatment; It can be applied in allergies to pollen, dust mites, fungi and animal species. But; It is a treatment method that cannot be applied in allergies to chemical substances. Treatment; It is based on the principle that the allergen is given to the patient in gradually increasing doses, starting with small amounts. The first dose given to the patient does not cause an allergic reaction in the person, the dose is gradually increased and the immune system is tried to be desensitized in this way. Injection intervals and injection amount vary according to the type of allergy. This method of treatment lasts at least three years and can be applied for years until the complete disappearance of allergic reactions.
The release of the molecules that cause the allergy is due to the antigen-antibody reaction. The most important of these released molecules is histamine. In allergic cases, antihistamine drug treatment is applied. Antihistamine tries to take its place by competing with histamine in places where histamine is effective in the organism. Antihistamine drug therapy provides benefits against allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis. Antihistamine drugs taken about an hour before encountering allergens such as pollen and dust can help relieve symptoms. Antihistamine drug treatments are not a well-established treatment method for the essence of allergy, but provide a treatment aimed at eliminating the effects of allergy instantly.