OXY AND ASTHUMENTS
Most physicians believe that sensitization to allergens is a major risk factor for developing asthma. This is evidenced by the results of several mass population studies that confirmed the relationship between allergy to inhalation allergens, such as house dust allergens and the development of asthma and other allergic diseases.
How often does allergy atopic cause asthma?
Studies show a close relationship between this sensitization and the development of asthma and other allergic diseases. For example, well-known researchers - Pearce and colleagues investigating the causes of asthma in children have calculated that in 40% of children with asthma, the initiation of the disease was determined by atopic sensitization to inhalation allergens. Although it is also possible that the cause of both atopy and asthma are remote but associated genetic disorders.
Does young age foster atopic sensitization and asthma development?
Yes. It is believed that intensive contact with allergens in the first few years of life causes allergy atopy and the formation of IgE antibodies. The presence of these antibodies accelerates the initiation of asthma and its symptoms.
Can you be allergic already in the womb?
This is unlikely, although some doctors assume that primary allergy to a specific allergen can occur already in the prenatal period. The threat to pregnant women may be antigens of cockroaches, house dust mites and mice that most often sensitize them. Evidence for the realness of this threat, however, requires further research.
Is the child's early age always a greater risk of asthma?
Usually yes, although there are exceptions to this rule. They can be children exposed in infancy to infectious diseases. It was noticed that in these children a specific "vaccine" was early contact with certain bacterial toxins and some allergens, eg hair and cat's epidermis. It is believed that intensive contact with these allergens causes the production of IgG4 antibodies, without sensitization and risk of developing asthma. This hypothesis, however, still needs to be confirmed.
What is the team of currently known risk factors for developing asthma?
The strong influence of genetic predisposition on the development of atopy, allergy and asthma is documented. In addition, environmental factors such as: not traveling in early childhood infectious diseases (bacterial, viral, parasitic) and the presence of a large amount of allergens in the home: dust mites, cat and cockroach antigens, mold spores, fungi, etc., have a big impact on the development of the disease. Factors conducive to the development of asthma are considered: exposure to tobacco smoke, low birth weight, eating sensitizing foods (nuts, chocolate, etc.); air pollution.
DANGEROUS ALLERGEN
Which allergens are the most dangerous for allergic reaction and asthma development?
It has been noticed that the greatest risk of developing sensitization and asthma is threatened by mite and cockroach antigens. For example, dust mite allergens are much more likely to cause bronchial hyperactivity than plant pollen, and allergy to mite antigens worsens the course of asthma. It is worth paying more attention to the relationship between asthma and allergy to cockroach antigens. In some countries, eg in France, more than 20% of patients have positive skin tests with cockroach antigen. Recent studies show that the early contact of asthmatic parents' children with cockroach antigens results in panic attacks and the development of early childhood asthma.
Are other house dust allergens dangerous?
Yes, but to a lesser extent. This particularly applies to animal allergens and molds. However, there are epidemiological and experimental data that indicate that people with allergies may be more intensely exposed to all of the mentioned allergens in the interior.
Does the concentration of allergens affect the development of sensitization?
Yes. This relationship was found, for example, in the case of dust mite allergen. It turned out that the higher the concentration of this allergen the faster the development of sensitization. What's more, it was noticed that this relationship is strongest in children, in the first years of life. A similar relationship was observed in the case of strong allergens, cockroaches, and cats and molds of the genus Alternaria.
How does it affect people who are allergic to constant exposure to domestic allergens?
In genetically susceptible individuals, continuous exposure to allergens provokes acute symptoms of asthma and rhinitis.
And how does it affect people who are allergic to low levels of house dust allergens?
It has been noticed that only long-term exposure to these allergens in low concentrations causes bronchial hyperresponsiveness and the need for medication in sensitized people with mild asthma.
How to summarize the role of allergens in initiating asthma?
Sensitization to allergens, especially atopics, is the main risk factor for the development of asthma. Contact with allergens mentioned in indoor rooms - apartments, offices, restaurants, etc. - plays a significant role in the development of allergies. Whereas allergy to one or more common allergens characteristic of enclosed rooms is associated with the occurrence of asthma in children and young adults.
ed. Edward Ozga Michalski, MA
Consultation dr n. Med. Agnieszka Lipiec - specialist in pneumonology
