immunology allergic disorders
Overview of Allergic and Atopic Disorders
Key Points
Atopic reactions (commonly caused by mite feces, animal dander, pollen, or mold) are IgE-mediated allergic reactions that trigger histamine release. Take a thorough history, including a detailed description of the frequency and duration of attacks, relationship of symptoms to seasons or situations, family history, possible triggers, and responses to attempted treatments because history is more reliable than testing. When the history and examination do not identify the cause, skin tests or an allergen-specific serum IgE test may help identify the allergen. Eliminating or avoiding the allergen is key to treatment and prevention; to relieve symptoms, use H1 blockers, topical corticosteroids, and/or mast cell stabilizers. If the allergen cannot be avoided and other treatments are ineffective, immunotherapy may be needed. 