2/19/2009

A Better Understanding of Allergy Immunology

Why it is necessary:
Allergy Immunology is the systematic collection of medical data through observation and experiment. It also includes the formulation and testing of possible cures and remedies directly related to the biological, medical and physical aspects of the causes of allergies and management of manifest symptoms. With the increasing number of individuals afflicted with numerous types of allergies to various conditions and environmental triggers, research and study on allergy immunology has become both compulsory and essential in order to alleviate the plight of individuals who suffer from allergies or allergy symptoms. Significant scientific advancements and breakthrough in the development of medication give us the option to take remedial treatment and allow us to enjoy life like normal persons instead of being cloistered and shielded from the allergy triggers and conditions which may not always be a possibility. All of these vital and lifesaving restorative therapy are results of allergy immunology.

There exists an active and concerted effort of people in the medical, pharmaceutical, science and chemistry fields who work together in collaboration with each other relentlessly to determine the causes of allergic reactions in people. Their joint efforts are directed towards developing the correct and most effective immunotherapeutic treatment and application. Medical research on the treatment and prevention of allergies include, but is not limited to, the administration of antibodies to increase the function of the human immune system in order to stimulate a natural response to combat the effects of allergens.

Immunotherapy is only one of many fields of research that medical science makes use of to combat, prevent and manage allergy reactions without prejudice to the patient. It is recommended for those who do not react positively to the traditional medical treatment and is only recommended as an alternative of last resort. This is so because traditional medical treatment works by preventing and managing the symptoms and reactions whereas immunotherapy is geared more towards the control and management of the cause together with the symptoms by stimulating the immune system. It requires a long regimen of injections of antibodies – hyposensitization – in order to force the individual’s immune system to react better against allergens; however, it does not carry a positive guarantee of success for everyone.

Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is only advised for those who have no other option but to be in close proximity of the allergen source for any number of reasons and those who have potentially life-threatening reactions to their particular allergens. Most candidates for this type of treatment are sufferers of asthma and hay fever allergies because it is highly impossible to avoid these allergy triggers – they are present almost everywhere in any part of the globe. However, immunotherapy is only employed as a last resort because it may lead to unnecessary complications to the patient.

Allergy immunology multiplies several fold the possibilities of reducing the effects and incidence of majority of allergies that afflict some people due to the development of newer and better medical cures. One of its most notable accomplishments is the present availability of various over-the-counter medications that are allergy-specific.

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