Allergies affect people in a systematic manner. Typically a substance, referred to as an “allergen,” is introduced to a person through skin contact, through the air or through ingestion.
Once exposed to an allergen, the body produces special proteins called Immunoglobulins. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a common trigger for allergies and responds in the presence of something a person is sensitive to, or something the body perceives as threatening. IgE attaches to cells in the body called “Mast” cells. These cells reside throughout the body, including in the skin, in the digestive tract, and in our respiratory tract. When we are exposed to an allergen the IgE binds to the Mast cells causing the release of histamine, which then causes symptoms such as itching, hives, headaches, gastrointestinal upset or respiratory tract discomfort.
With time, a person who is consistently exposed to allergens may become overly sensitive to these allergies. The body responds by producing increasing amounts of IgE resulting in a worsening of symptoms, to the point where asthma or other severe conditions may be triggered. Immunotherapy can desensitize you to the effects of the IgE antibodies and relieve the allergic symptoms. We offer the latest techniques of blended Immunotherapy to our patients.
