Encarnación Anton (allergist): “Molecular diagnostics allows us to stratify risks and personalize treatment”

allergy They represent one of the most widespread and growing public health problems in the world today. These immune system disorders, which manifest as an exaggerated reaction to otherwise harmless substances, affect millions of people and pose serious problems for both patients and health care workers. One of the main problems in the field of allergies is the increase in its prevalence.

k. Recent studies show that the incidence of food, respiratory and skin allergies has increased significantly in recent decades. Factors such as environmental pollution, changes in diet and lifestyleas well as increased exposure to chemicals and food additives have been noted as possible factors contributing to this increase.

World Allergy Day, celebrated on July 8, is a date dedicated to raising awareness of allergies and their impact on public health. The day, observed by health organizations and allergist associations, aims to educate the public about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of allergies, and to emphasize the importance of prevention and proper treatment of this condition.

Are there better ways to combat the symptoms? Dr. Encarnación Antón Casas, an allergist and contributor to Doctoralia, gives us some recommendations below that we should consider.

What general recommendations can you give for daily allergy treatment? How can we control the symptoms?

For daily allergy treatment, people with dust mite allergy are advised to wash bedding at high temperatures, above 70°C, use mattress and pillow covers made of mite-proof fabric, avoid sweeping, use vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters, maintain humidity (if necessary) and use dehumidifiers. On the other hand, people with pollen allergy should avoid ventilation or exercise first or last during the day. In addition, it is recommended to wear sunglasses even on cloudy days, take a shower and wash your face and scalp before going to bed, avoid going out into nature, certainly not lying in a meadow, avoid mowing or being close to. to this. For a specific approach to your allergy, consult your allergist and follow his recommendations.

What factors contribute to the development of allergies in humans?

Undoubtedly, genetic inheritance plays a very important role. In addition, the presence of atopic dermatitis contributes to sensitization to food allergens not yet introduced into the diet, such as eggs, fish, fruits or nuts. This occurs when these allergens come into contact with the “modified” skin, which facilitates absorption and subsequent allergy when they enter the body. Thus, sensitization to environmental allergens can also develop, with subsequent development of rhinitis and/or bronchial asthma.

What role do diet and lifestyle play in preventing allergies?

In this case, genetic inheritance also plays a very important role. However, in the case of infants, recommendations regarding long periods of recommended breastfeeding should be followed, as well as recommendations for introducing foods into the baby’s diet and skin care with special emollient creams to maintain the skin barrier intact.
For adults, the ideal is to lead a healthy lifestyle and recognize that there is usually an underlying cause and that it is advisable to have periodic check-ups with specialists.

How do you use new technologies to improve diagnostics and treatment?

Molecular diagnostics, which involves an in-depth study of the proteins of each food or environmental allergen, is essential for risk stratification and personalized treatment through immunotherapy (vaccines). Technological advances represented by tools such as Allergy Explorer (ALEX) are essential for precision medicine.