Anti IgE

IgE is an antibody that plays a major role in mediating allergic reactions in the body. This IgE antibody is normally firmly bound to immune cells in the . However, when it encounters a substance to which the body is allergic, the IgE antibody detaches itself from the immune cell and attaches itself to the allergen instead.

This process triggers a reaction of the immune cell, which releases various messenger substances. In this way, the entire immune system is alerted and begins to fight the potentially harmful substance. In the case of an allergy, however, the body does not react to a harmful substance as usual.

Instead, the IgE antibody mistakenly recognizes the allergen as worth fighting. This results in an excessive reaction of the immune system to a substance that is actually harmless. Since the entire immune chain is triggered by the function of the IgE antibody, treatment with drugs that target the IgE is a logical consequence.

However, no drug has been developed so far that only inhibits the allergy-causing IgE. Instead, the anti-IgE acts on all IgE antibodies and thus also weakens the normal function of the immune system. The Anti-IgE is therefore only used if an allergy cannot be easily controlled with the usual drugs. Since 2005, the anti-IgE Omalizumab has been on the market, in the meantime it is even approved for children from 6 years of age and is often used as a supplement to hyposensitization. Similar topics: Medicines against hay fever

Hyposensitization

Hyposensitization is a therapy that aims to slowly accustom the body to a substance to which it is allergic.The idea behind this treatment is that the allergen is administered in minimal doses. The dose is so small that no severe allergic reaction is triggered. Nevertheless, the body reacts to the substance.

Usually, a dose of the allergen is administered every two to four weeks and the amount increases over time. In this way the body gradually gets used to the allergen without reacting to it with an allergic shock. The method is particularly effective for allergies to various pollen and grasses.

Also with insect venom the hyposensitization usually works reliably. It is more difficult with some foods and contact allergies, which can rarely be treated by hyposensitization. After administering the hyposensitizing dose, there is no allergic reaction, but the body’s immune system starts working. It fights the allergen as if it were a pathogen. Therefore, treated persons usually feel sick, flabby and feverish for a few days.