Allergies, first diagnosed by Austrian pediatrician Clemens von Berke in 1906, are an excessive immune response to various environmental factors.
Medically speaking, an allergy is a chronic condition in which the immune system overreacts to a harmless substance in the environment, known as an "allergen." Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, insect venom, medications, and certain foods such as milk, eggs, nuts, and fish.
The immune system mistakenly identifies these substances as a threat and begins attacking them, triggering a cascade of reactions that manifest as itching, rashes, runny nose, watery eyes, swelling, and other symptoms. In severe cases, life-threatening complications such as anaphylactic shock (anaphylaxis) can occur.
Modern medicine does not offer a way to cure allergies permanently, as it is a chronic condition related to the mechanism of the immune system, but current treatment methods can effectively control symptoms and achieve long-term health stability.
Molecular allergy diagnosis. This approach does not allow for the analysis of the reaction to the entire allergen, but rather the analysis of its specific molecular components. This makes it possible to accurately identify the protein with which the immune system reacts, which is crucial for selecting effective treatment.
Allergen-specific immunotherapy is the only method that targets the underlying cause of the allergy, rather than simply alleviating the symptoms. The essence of this method is that the patient is given increasing doses of the allergen in order to "retrain" the immune system and develop tolerance to it.
In recent years, non-injectable forms have been actively developed: sublingual immunotherapy, and in the form of drops or tablets to be absorbed under the tongue.
Research shows that a 3-5 year course of allergen-specific immunotherapy significantly reduces the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and asthma caused by tree pollen, grass pollen, and house dust mites.
Biological therapy. For patients with severe and uncontrolled forms of allergies such as acute bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis (eczema), and chronic urticaria, genetically modified biologic drugs based on monoclonal antibodies have made significant progress. They specifically block the key molecules that cause allergic inflammation.
Digital tools. Mobile apps and smartwatches allow for real-time monitoring of symptoms, medications, and environmental factors. This gives doctors the opportunity to quickly adjust treatment.
Despite modern treatments, doctors point out that allergen-specific immunotherapy and biological therapy have limitations and risks, and their use always requires careful patient selection and medical supervision.
Specialist doctors also emphasize that molecular diagnosis does not replace traditional methods, but rather complements them, helping to identify triggers more accurately. They point out that new methods such as vaccines and biological therapy are still in the research and clinical trial phase, and therefore treatment must always be chosen by a specialist.
Interestingly, the prevention of some chronic allergic diseases, for which July 8th of each year has been designated as a national day of remembrance and awareness, is achieved through breastfeeding.
Experts have confirmed that long and complete breastfeeding is an important factor in reducing the risk of developing certain allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis or bronchial asthma.
