What is allergy?

Allergy can be described as a malfunction of the immune system, causing a violent reaction to normally harmless substances in our natural environment. In this context, these substances are generally called "allergens." The reaction creates inflammation which, in turn, can lead to a variety of symptoms such as hay fever, eczema, asthma and other conditions popularly known as allergies. There are genetic and environmental risk factors. To develop allergic symptoms, we must first be exposed to the allergen specific for a certain time to build allergic sensitivity, and then once more to trigger an allergic reaction. Environmental factors, such as smoking and pollution will also increase risk. Initially, allergy often appears as apparently benign, such as hay fever during pollen season. In fact, many people gradually build up an allergic condition over many years before experiencing any symptoms whatsoever. However, for some unfortunate, some food or drugs or a mere insect bites may cause sudden, life-threatening anaphylactic shock. In addition, those who start allergies like eczema or gastrointestinal problems, many develop into asthma, often involving respiratory symptoms such as hyperresponsiveness and airway obstruction. This direct path of development, commonly called "allergy march" (1) is of primary interest to the research and development carried out in Phadia. Our basic understanding of the allergy has evolved from the discovery in 1967 of an antibody previously unknown Immunoglobulin E or IgE, by scientists at Uppsala University and Baltimore. The most important property of IgE is that they can be specific for hundreds of different allergens. Continued research has significantly advanced our knowledge regarding, for example, the interaction between IgE and inflammatory cells. Effective Drugs for asthma, we must look beyond the obvious symptoms. Anti-histamine, for example, can provide temporary relief by masking symptoms, but have virtually no effect on the underlying inflammation. Other pharmaceuticals, known to be effective for seasonal allergies, should be administered weeks before the exhibition. The clinical use of inhaled steroids is now gaining ground because of their anti-inflammatory effects, but overtreatment can have serious side effects. To ensure the lowest effective dose throughout treatment, the laboratory can periodically monitor the event in the serum of PCE (2) release of inflammatory cells. Protein is an eosinophilic cationic protein produced in certain white blood cells actively engaged in the defense of the immune system. Using a diagnostic test developed by Phadia, ECP can be detected in body fluids.