Allergy Treatment

The drug of first choice to prevent allergic reactions, avoidance of the trigger (waiting). Depending on the parental allergy triggers include, for example, the omission of a food, clean up after a dust mite allergy, or change a skin cream. However, the allergens are ubiquitous, is an avoidance is not possible. Pollen allergy, for example, can not release her to go out of their way.
Is abstinence is not completely possible, to help different drugs to prevent or lessen the allergic processes. Depending on the active ingredient is a distinction between topical and systemic medications. Topical medications include eye drops, nasal sprays and asthma sprays. They only act on the part of the body, to which they are applied. Systemic medications such as tablets or injections spread their effects throughout the body.
Different drugs
Antihistamines are relatively widespread. The mostly without a prescription at the pharmacy products are few side effects and effective in their impact. The drugs are known Ceterizin and loratadine.
Cortisone - or more glucocorticoid - is now successfully occur in local form, ie at the point where the symptoms (for example, the respiratory tract) is applied. The effect is very good and the side effects are minimal. In contrast to antihistamines, cortisone-containing preparations are prescription only and apply when Antihistaminka not relieve the symptoms adequately.
DNCG is the abbreviation for Dinatriumcromoglicinsäure. This is a special cell stabilizer that will prevent the outpouring of pro-inflammatory messenger substances (eg histamine). The success of action is considered rather low, so DNCG preparations are hardly used today.
Not result unless the avoidance of drug use and the desired result, can allergies to insect venom, pollen, dust mites, mold, and in exceptional cases, animal dander allergens determine hyposensitization done (desensitization).
Alternative treatments make sense?
In addition to traditional medicine, various classical naturopathic treatments for allergies, asthma and atopic dermatitis are used. They are based on the use of natural resources that have proven successful for a long time and are recognized in scientific medicine. These classical methods are not in opposition to traditional medicine, but can usefully supplement. To classical naturopathic treatments, there are still only few meaningful studies. Only gradually establish these methods in Germany. Meanwhile at university hospitals chairs set up for complementary medicine, so that there be a more reliable data on individual methods that make a simple recommendation.
A proven method for pollen allergies complementary to the relief of symptoms is acupuncture. This was proven in studies.
There is no doubt that some of these classical naturopathy (general methods) can be a valuable complement to traditional medicine. This must be distinguished from other methods, their effectiveness is questionable, and again by those who under the guise of "natural therapies" or "alternative method" border on fraud and merely exploit the gullibility of those affected.

allergy and diagnosis

An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to certain foreign substances from the environment. "Overshoots" is the reaction because the body's immune system overreacts to foreign substances (like pollen) that represent different disease germs really no risk to health.

Allergic reactions are in severity and intensity vary. The symptoms range from runny or stuffy nose and watery eyes itching, rash, eczema to gastrointestinal and respiratory complaints. The extreme variant is the Allergic shock (anaphylaxis), which can lead to circulatory collapse and cardiac arrest.

diagnosis

The diagnosis of allergy made ​​by a specialist (allergist) and is based on several studies, the four pillars of allergy diagnosis.

The history, the doctor-patient dialogue serves as a basis for further investigations. To estimate the risk of personal allergy is asked whether and what the allergies in the family (parents, siblings, children) or are in the past occurred in the patient himself. Some doctors also use this a questionnaire will be completed in advance of each patient. Another way to narrow down the trigger, is completing an allergy diary.

At the close history according to various triggers and medical tests (skin prick test, intradermal test, scratch test and rubbing test) on. This will, depending on the test procedure, samples of possible triggers applied to the skin, scratched or injected. With a positive response form at this point, pustules, or hives.
Following laboratory tests, or alternatively, (blood tests) are performed for specific IgE antibodies. These tests will help with the responsiveness of blood samples and specific sensitization to the tested allergens tested in the laboratory.

The final component of allergy diagnosis, the Nachanamnese and / or provocation tests. Without this last step, not a statement about a specific allergy is possible. Only by bringing an "Nachanamnese" with the questions - Is the patient at all exposed to the allergens? Symptoms and test results fit together? - Can be a clear statement to the treatment and further action will be taken.

Makes no clear statement to the Nachanamnese be tested directly by positive skin tests and / or blood tests determined trigger on the institution with the help of a provocation test.

To find the right doctor

Allergic reactions can be diagnosed by a specialist, an allergist in this case. Allergy is an additional qualification, can purchase a specialist (ear, nose and throat specialists, skin, children, pulmonary specialists or internists). Select according to your doctor and pay attention to complaints from the Allergology.

When the pollen fly?

When pollen (pollen) specific components of male flowers are called those crops, which are caused by insects or the wind (wind pollination) dissemination. For the allergist are primarily the so-called wind pollen clinically relevant: After contact with human mucous membrane contact, the pollen grains of different ingredients - such as specific lipids, proteins and sugar - free, the in affected allergic hypersensitivity reactions such as runny nose and watery eyes can result. These symptoms are seasonally limited, meaning that they usually die down ending with flowering again.
Depending on the region (vs. Southwest. North), the allergy-related flowering plants and therefore the pollen used at different times. The sea levels (vs. Mountains. Lowlands) and the direct surroundings (urban vs. Land) are relevant factors here. "It makes sense for the patient are therapeutic options for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (hay fever) in a pollution-and pollen-poor region over a certain period of time. A so-called climate therapy calls for the natural relief of symptoms,. Is the goal, with appropriate measures to ensure sustainable rehabilitation and to prevent the emergence of other allergies, "recommends Dr. Vieluf, chief physician of the Department of Dermatology and Allergy Clinic at the Department of Borkum. The pollen count in the mountains or the sea is rather low and the pollen in the city until the evening is usually acute, while the reverse is true in a rural environment behaves. Generally applies that the plant starts flowering allergologically relevant to expel the so-called early flowering as early as the winter months. In spring, the pollen of hazel, willow, birch and alder, the most prominent allergens.Hazel (Corylus)
The hazel, a deciduous ornamental or Nutzbaumgewächs, are found mainly in regions with damp soil and in forests with thick bushes or hedges. She is a member of the Birch family, which begins in the winter month of February (and sometimes earlier) to engage in flowers. By April, the pollen can affect the hanging, male catkins with pollen allergies.Willow (Salix)
The botanists are about 450 known species of willow, the disclosure of the temperate zones to the Arctic reaches. But even for the tropics and the temperate climates of the south or the occurrence of willow subgenera is well documented. From this multitude of different pasture types about 30-40 species in Central Europe are common. Your Flowering is between March to May and usually reaches its peak in early April.Birch (Betula)
The birch tree, botanically the large family of Betulaceae (Birch family lat) belongs, is a so-called early bloomers, so that when pollen allergies can occur even in late March hypersensitivity reactions, which can sometimes until the end of the flowering phase (June) to continue. In our latitudes, about 40 different birch species are known, but also on the North American continent and Asia (primarily Japan), birches are common. Before going on a trip to these regions pollen allergies are well advised, if they inquire about the possible allergen load in the holiday destination and / or perform a timely SIT (Specific immunotherapy) can.Alder (Alnus)
The alder is a widespread genus of the birch family, in central Europe of the three species - green, gray and black alder - are located. In sheltered areas, the male catkins - like the hazel - even in winter (January) with maximum daily temperatures of about 10 ° C begin to bloom. Increased pollen flow is therefore already in late February and early March to be expected.Grass and herb pollen
The majority of hayfever sufferers react to grass pollen, flying mainly from May. Among them include cereals such as wheat and rye, and herb species such as plantain, sorrel and sagebrush.
From the end of July will have only isolated allergenic plant their flowering period, so clearly from this period, the pollen count, though not completely reduced. Is the basic principle is that, unlike 15 years ago today, the pollen be more intense and longer (until September) last.

Treatment of Allergies

First and foremost, should avoid contact with the allergen, the allergy if possible. However, this is often difficult, such as pollen or mite allergy. Different treatment options may alleviate symptoms.Parental allergyThe avoidance of allergens is the most effective way to counter an allergic reaction. The patient should avoid allergy sufferers the allergenic substance as possible, for if no trigger is, there is no chance of an allergy. However, the allergen encounters with ubiquitous allergens (eg pollen, house dust, animal dander) quickly reach their limits. Here, other treatment methods are used. Nevertheless, the doctors at the hospital specialist advise on the North Sea island of Borkum, a regular residence in a poor air pollutant and pollen, which are very gentle and relaxing effect on the allergy-weakened body. "The salt air and water acts as relieving the inflammation with atopic dermatitis and in the usual shallow breathing in asthmatics. The therapies used to get in a better efficacy. The stimulus factors, the sunlight and the cool wind cause a hardening of the organism, is thus better protected against those environmental factors that trigger the disease, "explains Dr. Vieluf, the responsible chief physician at the Allergy Clinic at the Department of Borkum.

Drug treatmentDrug treatment of allergy promises no cure for allergies, but only an alleviation or suppression of symptoms. The most commonly used drug groups are mast cell stabilizers, antihistamines and glucocorticoids.Mast cells secrete antibodies after contact with allergenic histamine. This mechanism will engage a mast cell stabilizers, by enhancing the cell membrane and thus prevent or reduce the release of histamine. The anti-allergic effect is relatively small. Another disadvantage is that the specimens arrive slowly into the tissue and must be applied preventively for this reason. As a rule takes effect one to two weeks after starting treatment, and must be continued for as long as the sufferer is exposed to the allergens.Antihistamines weaken or suppress the action of histamine by blocking docking sites for histamine (H1 receptors) or displace already docked histamine. The relief of symptoms usually occurs after 15 to 30 minutes. Antihistamines are available for both the local administration (eye or nose drops) and oral. As part of an allergic reaction to other substances besides histamine are also drugs can not suppress the allergy to this drug completely.Glucocorticoids are a class of steroid hormones and anti-inflammatory effect. They are used primarily in allergic rhinitis, asthma, eczema and contact dermatitis. Cortisone-containing products should generally be used only when mast cell stabilizers and antihistamines do not relieve the consequence that can occur with any prolonged use may undesirable side effects.DesensitizationSpecific immunotherapy (SIT), often referred to as hypo-or desensitization, is - as opposed to medical treatment - a treatment for the causes of the allergy. In this therapeutic method are injected at the beginning of minute amounts of the allergen under the skin. In the course of treatment, the amount is increased gradually to make the immune system gradually less sensitive to the allergy-causing substance. Thus, the complaints go further and further behind. In this form of therapy, however, the patience of patients is required because the treatment can take several years. Promising the SIT is particularly insect venom allergies. Even with hay fever, dust mites and animal dander were already achieved good therapeutic results.Other forms of therapy

    (Offshore) therapy, bracing climate
    Medical Cosmetics
    Physiotherapy and psychotherapy
    Sports Therapy and Entspannungs-/Anti-Stress-Therapie
    Nutritional therapy
    Physical therapy (inhalation, respiratory therapy, hydrotherapy)
    Recreational and occupational therapy
    Long-term oxygen therapy
    Social Medical Advice
    Natural Remedies
    Balneotherapy (photo-) therapy
    Ointment therapy (topical treatment of skin with ointments and creams)
    Inhalation therapy (local treatment of respiratory tract using special equipment)Each type of treatment of an allergy should always be done in consultation with a physician specializing in allergy. (Ah)

Allergy diagnosis: In Search of the allergen

Occur for unknown reasons, itching, redness, swelling or pain in the gastrointestinal tract on could be an allergic reaction is the cause. One suspects an allergy, first a visit to the doctor is advisable. Depending on which organs are affected, the subsequent treatment is continued by a specialist in the relevant field.Case historyA detailed medical history (survey of medical history) is the basis for the diagnosis. It will be in conversation, partly resolved including the use of questionnaires, for example, any genetic predisposition, timing and possible triggers of symptoms and contact with potential allergens. In allergy diagnosis according to a history of various skin, blood and provocation tests identify different allergy-causing substances.Skin testsUsually are preceded by a skin test. This brings the allergist several known allergens in concentrated form in contact with the skin. Depending on how the skin comes into contact, one distinguishes between prick test, scratch test, Intracutantest, rubbing test and patch test.Blood testsBlood tests can complement skin testing. With these blood tests can determine the total content of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and allergen-specific IgE. Blood tests are also suitable for patients in whom no skin tests can be performed (eg, severe skin disease). A standard test for determining the concentration of allergen-specific antibodies in the blood is the radio-Allergy-Sorbent Test (RAST).Provocation testsCould these tests with the allergens are not clearly identified, may shed further light provocation tests. In these tests, the allergen in question be directly applied to the mucous membranes or injected, inhaled or swallowed. Since provocation tests have some risks (in the worst case, anaphylactic shock) for the patients recover, they should be performed only in exceptional cases and only under medical supervision in hospital or specialized clinics. (Ah)

The development of allergies

The exact reasons for the emergence of an allergy to this day could not be resolved completely. There are a number of studies that point to different possible triggers.

Among the factors that can trigger an allergy, be counted among other things:

     genetic predisposition (atopy)
     eating habits
     weak immune system due to little contact with allergens in the development phase
     Higher pollen concentration
     Negative influence of intestinal flora with increased intake of antibiotics from food
     etc.

With an allergy, there is a violent reaction, the immune system to otherwise harmless environmental substances. The body's natural defenses fight the harmless foreign substances such as dangerous viruses or bacteria. In a normal immune response that would lead to the destruction of the trigger or protect against a new disease, but in an allergic reaction is not. Normally, it lasts only as long as the person is exposed to the allergy-causing substance.

Atopic
Especially atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema), allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis (hay fever) are collectively referred to as "atopic diseases" or "atopy". These diseases can either alone, sequentially or simultaneously occur and evolve, especially when a hereditary predisposition to do so. (ah)

Allergies: When the immune system overreacts

The number of allergic diseases has increased steadily in recent years. According to the Association of German Allergists (ÄDA) suffers now probably about one-third of the German population from an allergy.

With an allergy, the immune system reacts violently to a harmless environmental substances. The body's own defense mechanisms to combat relatively harmless foreign substances similar to dangerous pathogens. Unlike a normal immune reaction, this allergic reaction does not lead to the destruction of the trigger or protect against a new illness. They usually last only as long as the sufferer is exposed to the allergy-causing substance.

Among the most common allergens include pollen (hay fever), animal dander (animal hair allergy) and house dust (house dust allergy). The search for the allergenic substance is slow in most cases. With various skin tests and blood laboratory tests, many allergens are identified. The causes of allergic diseases are not yet fully explored. It is believed that several factors contribute to the development of allergic disease. Genetic predispositions seem to be important. Moreover, suggests the fact that allergies have increased sharply in recent decades, suggests that environmental factors also play a role, and individual lifestyles.Allergic diseases are manifested by various symptoms. They range from swollen, itchy eyes, runny nose and reddened skin and on asthmatic suffocation leading to life-threatening anaphylactic shock. Therefore of particular importance is the timely diagnosis and therapy, because this could for example develop a non-treated allergic rhinitis over a longer period to allergic asthma."In particular, it is deep-seated fears and stress, the fight to a depressed mood or even lead to panic response patterns, with the help of psychotherapeutic counseling, individual sports therapy and relaxation techniques. Because this makes it difficult to keep in disease management a clear head, "said the psychologist Hiltraud Mueller, Clinic of the Department of Borkum.Despite great advances in science, there is still no cure for allergies and other chronic skin and respiratory diseases. Diagnosis and therapy in complex diseases such as eczema, psoriasis or asthma is a difficult undertaking. Experience has shown that the treatment of chronic diseases in ambulatory practice has limitations. Therefore often brings only the stationary stay in a specialized clinic to the desired therapeutic response. (Ah)