– Could you briefly describe the disease called allergy?
– Allergy is a group of diseases in which the immune system overreacts to certain foreign substances in the protein structure called allergens in genetically susceptible individuals and as a result, some substances harmful to the body occur. Foreign substances in protein structure called allergens are normally eliminated by our body’s immune system without major reactions. However, allergic individuals have an immunoglobulin E type antibody response to such proteins. As a result of the reaction of these antibodies as a result of subsequent encounter with the allergen, some substances such as histamine are released from some cells. Again, the cells we call eosinophils come to the area where the allergen is encountered. These cells and the resulting substances begin to damage the person’s own tissues. As a result, hay fever, which is characterized by findings such as sneezing and runny nose; Asthma and other similar diseases, characterized by symptoms such as shortness of breath and respiratory distress, occur.
– Why is allergy called the disease of our time? What are the reasons for the increase in allergies today? It is said that it is among the most common diseases in the world and its types are increasing. Is it correct?
– There has been an increase in allergic diseases recently. As a result of modern life in our age, we strictly apply hygiene rules. In addition, we control infections very well with treatments such as antibiotic treatments. For these reasons, the body’s immune system, so to speak, cannot be strengthened. For these diseases, an idea called the “hygiene hypothesis” was put forward years ago. According to this hypothesis, allergic diseases are frequently seen especially in the citizens of countries that live at a high socio-economic level and pay close attention to hygiene rules. On the contrary, allergic diseases are less common in societies living in worse conditions. This hypothesis has also been proven by many social studies. The reason for this situation can be briefly explained as follows: There are two special helper T lymphocyte type cells that guide our immune system. The first type of helper T lymphocyte fights infections, the second type plays an important role in the production of antibodies and in the formation of allergic diseases. The two cells essentially suppress each other. In other words, type 1 helper T lymphocytes are strengthened and suppressed type 2 in people who have an infection in the early stages of life. Thus, the risk of developing an allergic disease decreases.
In addition to all these, air pollution after the industrial revolution; the increase in our contact with the ready-made food sector brought by modern life and the additives and preservatives used in this sector; In addition, active and passive smoking increases our tendency to allergic diseases. With the contribution of other similar reasons, the incidence of allergic diseases is really increasing.
Allergic diseases are perhaps the most common diseases in the first place in the society, rather than the most common disease in the world. Because, when considered collectively, it can be said that its frequency exceeds 30%. In other words, one out of three people in the society shows an allergic disease at some point in their life.
– What are the reasons for the increase in allergies today? Is it true that as infectious diseases decrease, allergies also increase?
– As I mentioned earlier this is indeed true. The mechanism of allergic disease and the mechanism of the immune system that resist infections work in opposition to each other. This results in a decrease in infectious diseases and a shift to type 2 helper T lymphocytes in the immune system. For this reason, unfortunately, an increase in allergic diseases occurs.
– What are the types of allergies? Which of these are the most common? Which allergies are seen more in who? Can it be grouped according to gender, male-female-child, or age?
– Allergic diseases can be roughly classified as allergic diseases of the respiratory tract, food allergies, insect allergies and drug allergies. In some of these allergies, signs of the skin and gastrointestinal tract can also be seen. Apart from this, especially in cases such as bee sting allergy, death may occur by affecting the whole body and especially the respiratory and circulatory system. We examine allergic diseases of the respiratory tract as hay fever (allergic rhinoconjunctivitis) and allergic asthma. These diseases are really common in society. In our country, hay fever is seen at a rate of almost 20% in some parts of our country. This shows that it is indeed extremely common. Allergic asthma, on the other hand, is seen in approximately 2-8%, although it varies according to age.
In the first period of infants, we encounter mostly allergic diseases of the skin. Many of these occur due to food. As the age progresses, hay fever and allergic asthma attack and become prominent in terms of frequency. We see hay fever and asthma most frequently in adolescence and young adulthood. Other than that, allergies can be seen in all ages. Although the distinction between men and women is not fully made, it is obvious that allergic diseases are more common in women than in men.
– How is the diagnosis and diagnosis made? What are the symptoms, do they vary from person to person? When and how are allergy tests done?
– The correct diagnosis can definitely be made by an allergist and immunology specialist. This can be done with a good disease history, examination findings and correct and on-site allergy tests. On this occasion, I should emphasize that allergy tests must be performed and evaluated by a specialist who has specialized in allergy and immunology. Symptoms of hay fever are sneezing, runny nose, watery nasal discharge, itching in the nose, burning in the eyes, watering, itching. In allergic asthma, there may be symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, wheezing or wheezing. Food allergies mostly give symptoms such as gastrointestinal symptoms and skin itching, redness and swelling. Drug and insect allergies, on the other hand, present with severe findings leading to death. The findings, of course, differ from person to person.
Allergy tests can be done with blood as well as with the application of allergens on the skin, which is more valuable. In practice, we mostly use the tests we call “allergy prick tests”. These tests are easy to administer, do not hurt, and have extremely reliable results. The art of allergy and immunology specialists is involved in matching the test result with the patient’s clinic. Test results may show very minor nuances. Their clinical meanings and which ones are valuable are interpreted by an allergy and immunology specialist. The patient is guided accordingly. Unfortunately, we are still witnessing that the test is applied by non-professionals due to its easy application in medical practice and patients are extremely misguided. On this occasion, I would like to warn our patients again; Make sure to have your allergy skin tests done and interpreted by an allergy and immunology specialist. The important thing is not the results of the test, which is obtained as a result of puncturing the arms with a needle or applicator by dripping allergens; This is to match the skin test positivity with the clinical and to detect the responsible allergen or allergens. For this, a very serious allergy and immunology experience is required. Because; The results to be obtained from this will give an idea to both the patient and the physician for the radical (rooted) treatment of the patient. By interpreting these results, it will be possible for the patient to get rid of the disease radically and to prevent potentially fatal conditions (such as asthma and anaphylaxis).
– What are the factors that cause allergies?
– As I mentioned before, we call the factors that cause allergies “allergens”. The extracts of small insects, which we call mites, found in house dust, pollen, mold fungi, animal hairs, and proteinaceous substances found in some extracts of soldering iron, protein-specific substances in foods and some drug molecules can be allergic.
– Is it possible to treat allergies?
– Allergies can of course be treated. However, this treatment should be undertaken by an allergy and immunology specialist. While some drugs can be used in some diseases, especially in bee sting allergies and allergic diseases of the respiratory tract, vaccine treatment, which must be decided by the allergy and immunology physician, can be applied. Extremely successful results are obtained because the vaccine treatment is applied correctly, on time and in place.
– How to protect yourself from allergens?
– Could you give some information about allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma? Are these temporary? Are allergic diseases genetic?
– The answer to this question is also on our website. Please read and determine your situation…
– What stage are we at regarding allergic diseases in our country?
– Our country is a geography where allergic diseases are seen with a considerable frequency. Although there are few experts on this subject, the service provided is at world standards. Our allergy and immunology specialists attend national and international meetings every year, closely follow the medical literature and practices, and even take part in organizations that direct these international practices. Therefore, our country’s allergy and immunology specialists are extremely competent.
I also deal with allergy practice very intensively in my clinic. Apart from this, we publish in both national and international reputable medical journals with the studies and researches we do in the university environment. The clinical findings of the disease, its formation mechanisms and treatment models constitute the focal points of our study areas. It is a fact that the disease impairs not only bodily functions but also the quality of life of the person. We are also working on this issue.
Wishing you a healthy day…
Prof. Dr. Cengiz KIRMAZ
