- Allergic diseases are a category of diseases in which the immune system reacts to substances that do not cause problems for most people.
- Related substances include pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, food, insect bites, drugs, etc.
- In allergies, the immune system recognizes specific substances as threats and triggers an inflammatory response, and the pathway and intensity of the response vary depending on the substance and the individual.
- Representative manifestations include runny nose, sneezing, itching, rash, edema, asthma symptoms, etc., and one person can be sensitive to multiple substances.
- It is possible that both genetic predisposition and environmental factors are involved, and symptoms and severity vary from person to person even when exposed to the same substance.
- Symptoms range from mild local reactions to severe systemic reactions, and anaphylaxis can be life-threatening.
- Diagnosis is established by confirming symptoms, the timing and pattern of exposure, and, if necessary, combining skin tests, blood tests, and other evaluations.
- Since test results alone cannot definitively determine the actual cause or clinical severity, medical history, exposure circumstances, and the possibility of other diseases must be interpreted together.
- The basis of management is to avoid the causative substance or reduce exposure, and to establish a treatment plan with medical professionals according to symptoms and severity.
- Treatment may include avoidance of the causative substance, medication, allergy immunotherapy, etc., and the choice depends on the type of allergy and the severity of the reaction.