They are usually of genetic origin. Its first symptoms are detected in childhood, indicates Doctor of Medical Sciences Vera Reviákina. What is the origin of human allergies?
«Late-onset allergies, for example, in adults, are extremely rare. The origin must be sought in childhood,” he says. The main predisposing factor to allergic diseases in childhood remains genetic. “There is up to 85% of having an atopic child in a family where there are individuals with allergic diseases.” The second most important factor in this process is changes in the environment. Lifestyle and nutrition are included. The primary allergens are usually foods. Only later do environmental factors (pollen, pets, dust) add to the list, he notes.
allergic reaction
Most of the time, food allergies start with cow’s milk. The allergen spectrum of cow’s milk is extremely diverse and contains around 40 different proteins,” he explains. In 75% of cases, allergic reactions to milk disappear completely with age, he notes. Allergies to certain foods, such as fish and shellfish, remain for years.
Knowing the origin of human allergies also allows us to find ways to treat them. Nowadays a molecular diagnosis of blood can be performed. It determines a person’s hypersensitivity to between 120 and 180 allergens. To get rid of such diseases, exposure to allergens must be totally avoided. If this is not possible, there are other therapies. First of all, it concerns immunotherapy. An allergen is introduced into the body in increasing concentrations. This is how tolerance is formed.
Increase in allergies
«These treatment programs are already well developed. They offer an effectiveness of almost 90% in patients with seasonal allergies. For example, to trees, cereals and weeds,” they indicate. As for future research, allergists are currently focusing on the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic suffered throughout the world. This virus caused a rearrangement of the immune system. It made humans more susceptible to allergens.
«Many allergic diseases have changed their course. Peculiarities of clinical symptoms appear that were not observed before. The number of patients with food and drug intolerances has increased. All of this requires new observations and scientific research,” he summarizes.
