With millions of people across the
world being affected by allergy disorders, allergy and immunology studies have acquired great importance. Understanding how
allergies work and the role of the immune system are keys to developing
effective treatments that help reduce, manage or eliminate symptoms.
Causes
for Allergies
Allergies occur when a person develops
an abnormal sensitivity to certain substances such as foods, dust, pollen, insect
bites, drugs and other agents found in the environment. In people who are
hypersensitive to particular allergens, the body’s immune system identifies
foreign substances as threats and produces antibodies to attack them. These
antibodies attach themselves to certain cells in the immune system which in
turn release chemicals responsible for many of the common symptoms associated
with allergies.
Focus
of Research
Allergy symptoms range from itchy and
watery eyes, skin rashes, respiratory discomfort to the potentially life
threatening anaphylaxis. Allergists and immunologists are trying to understand
the factors responsible for allergies and what happens in the body during an
allergic reaction. Specialists in clinical
immunology are trying to identify specific genes that may be responsible
for making a person more susceptible to developing allergies. They also concern
themselves with the study of various types of autoimmune disorders including
Hashimoto’s Disease, rheumatoid arthritis and immunodeficiency disorders where
the immune system fails to provide adequate responses against external threats.
Certain international medical
organizations that are completely dedicated to allergies and immunology are
proving to be umbrella platforms where scientists, medical professionals,
organizations and individuals come together for research, education and
training. Thanks to medical research, allergy sufferers are now able to manage
their symptoms in a better way, if not eliminate them altogether.
