For decades, inflammation has remained a central issue for the medical community. It symptomizes dozens of widespread and deadly illnesses, from cancer to cardiovascular disease. Yet one of the most insidious causes of inflammation is the most innocuous: allergies and sensitivities.
Allergen exposure triggers a cascade of inflammatory cells similar to acute inflammation. Like other inflammatory conditions, persistent allergic inflammation can turn chronic. According to the NHIS annual review, almost one-third of adults have a diagnosed allergy. As it may have drastic health consequences, managing allergic inflammation is vital to patient care.
One of the greatest clinical challenges facing allergy diagnosis is the volume of variable symptoms. From seasonal allergic rhinitis to food intolerances, there are dozens of possible presentations. Nasal congestion, bloating, nausea, fatigue, and rashes are among the most common symptoms. However, histamine responses are famously inconsistent. Allergic reactions vary across patients and, in some instances, day-to-day. This makes clinical diagnosis difficult. Furthermore, allergies and sensitivities may suddenly develop at any stage of life. Patients may abruptly experience symptoms without any discernible cause. These symptoms may be easy to overlook or attribute to other underlying causes. Over time, allergies that go undetected may contribute to the development of chronic inflammation.
Inflammation is the primary mechanism of the allergic response. It is largely responsible for the pathological burden of allergies. Inflammation is the driving source of symptoms for both environmental and food allergies. Discomfort, fatigue, rashes, and redness symptomize allergic inflammation in the short-term. Often, patients with mild allergies may not reduce exposure or seek treatment. However, in the long term, allergic inflammation can contribute to a myriad of health crises.
Persistent allergic inflammation develops into chronic inflammation—and its host of health problems. Repetitive allergen exposure leaves the body in a state of low-level inflammation that can last for days or weeks.
One study found that patients developed a state of chronic inflammation over the course of a single allergy season. Patients with allergic rhinitis were monitored over the course of 40 days. The study measured inflammatory markers, discernable symptoms, and pollen count. Days with low pollen count showed minimal symptoms. However, inflammatory reactions were present throughout the season, including days with an absence of pollen and symptoms. For these patients, persistent allergen exposure resulted in a state of low-level chronic inflammation.
In the absence of damaged tissue, inflammatory agents begin to attack healthy tissue and cells. The resultant chronic inflammation has remained a fundamental obstacle to patient care. Continuing research reveals that chronic inflammation contributes to dozens of severe health conditions.
Prolonged inflammation can even produce changes in the structure and function of organs. Over the course of months or years of chronic inflammation, cytokines and other inflammatory agents wear away at organ tissue. Over time, allergy-related chronic inflammation can result in significant organ damage.
Allergy-related inflammation can drastically affect brain function. Pro-inflammatory markers from allergies and sensitivities contribute to neural inflammation. Allergic inflammation may even be considered as a factor in the development and progression of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
Lung tissue is particularly affected by environmental allergies. Allergic inflammation in the lungs often presents as asthma. Those with asthma commonly exist in a state of chronic inflammation. Generally speaking, the severity of asthma depends on the degree of inflammation. Added allergic inflammation in those with asthma can, over time, destroy tissue and drastically reduce lung function.
Similarly, systemic allergic inflammation can harm the cardiovascular system. Recent evidence has highlighted a potential link between allergies and cardiovascular disease. One study even showed that adults with at least one food sensitivity had a higher risk of cardiovascular mortality. Immune overactivity from allergies and sensitivities can increase the synthesis of proinflammatory mediators in the bloodstream. Such inflammatory markers are associated with the development of atherosclerosis. Consequently, allergic inflammation may contribute to the development and progression of cardiovascular disease.
With variable and unpredictable presentations, allergies prove difficult to isolate. For healthcare providers, treating allergies requires strategic approaches paired with consistent evaluations. To prevent the development of allergic inflammation, you need consistent and efficient testing. Access Medical Labs’ blood testing panels provide you with in-depth data on a variety of allergens. Our allergy and sensitivity panels allow you to quickly identify allergies and develop treatment plans.
allergE+ Panel tests for IgE antibodies for 295 allergens.
foodANALYZER Panel evaluates 286 food antigens for IgG antibodies.
With results within 24 hours, our customizable panels are ideal for regular allergy and sensitivity testing. Early allergy detection allows you to reduce allergic inflammation and promote patient wellness. From baseline testing to treatment tracking, our panels will enable you to offer the best in patient care. Explore more from Access Medical Labs.