Allergy Overview and Current Treatment Options

Allergy, first identified by Austrian pediatrician Clemens von Pirquet in 1906, is characterized as an excessive immune response to various environmental agents.

Medically, allergy is a chronic condition where the immune system overreacts to harmless substances in the environment, known as "allergens." 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 treats these substances as threats and initiates a series of reactions that manifest as itching, rash, nasal congestion, watery eyes, swelling, and other symptoms. In severe cases, life-threatening complications such as anaphylactic shock may occur.

Modern medicine does not offer a definitive cure for allergies due to their chronic nature and the involvement of immune mechanisms; however, current therapeutic approaches effectively manage symptoms and maintain long-term health stability.

Molecular Diagnosis and Immunotherapy

Molecular allergy diagnosis analyzes specific molecular components of allergens rather than the entire allergenic substance. This precise identification of the protein triggering the immune response is critical for selecting effective treatment.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy is the only treatment targeting the root cause of allergy instead of only alleviating symptoms. It involves administering gradually increasing doses of allergens to "retrain" the immune system and build tolerance.

Recently, non-injectable forms of immunotherapy have been developed, including sublingual treatments delivered as drops or tablets. Research indicates that a 3- to 5-year course of allergen-specific immunotherapy significantly reduces symptoms of allergic rhinitis and asthma caused by tree pollen, grass pollen, and house dust mites.

Biological Treatments and Digital Tools

For patients with severe, uncontrolled allergic conditions such as severe bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis (eczema), and chronic urticaria, genetically engineered biological drugs based on monoclonal antibodies have achieved substantial progress. These biologics specifically block key molecules responsible for allergic inflammation.

Digital tools, including mobile applications and sensor-equipped wrist devices, enable real-time monitoring of symptoms, medications, and environmental factors. This technology allows physicians to adjust treatments promptly.

Despite advances, physicians note that allergen-specific immunotherapy and biological treatments have limitations and risks. Their use requires careful patient selection and medical supervision.

Specialists emphasize that molecular diagnosis complements rather than replaces traditional diagnostic methods, enhancing the accuracy of trigger identification. They also point out that novel approaches such as vaccines and biological therapies remain in research and clinical trial phases, necessitating treatment decisions to be made by specialists.

Prevention and Breastfeeding

Prevention of certain chronic allergic diseases, commemorated annually on July 8 as an awareness day, includes breastfeeding as a key factor.

Experts confirm that prolonged and comprehensive breastfeeding is an important factor in reducing the risk of developing allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis and bronchial asthma.