ALLERGY IMMUNOLOGY Meaning and
Definition
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Allergy immunology is a medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergic diseases and disorders. It focuses on understanding how the immune system reacts to allergens and aims to develop strategies to prevent or alleviate allergic reactions.
An allergy is an abnormal and exaggerated response of the immune system to a substance that is usually harmless to most individuals. This substance, known as an allergen, triggers an immune response that leads to the production of antibodies, primarily immunoglobulin E (IgE). When exposed to the same allergen again, these antibodies bind to cells called mast cells, causing them to release various chemicals such as histamine. The release of these chemicals leads to allergic symptoms, including sneezing, itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
Immunology, on the other hand, is a branch of medicine that focuses on studying the immune system and its response to foreign substances or pathogens. It involves understanding the various components of the immune system, including cells, tissues, and molecules, and how they work together to defend the body against infections and diseases.
Allergy immunologists are physicians who specialize in diagnosing and managing allergies and related disorders. They are trained to evaluate patients for potential allergic triggers, perform allergy tests such as skin prick tests and blood tests, and develop personalized treatment plans tailored to the individual patient. These treatment options may include allergen avoidance, medications, immunotherapy (such as allergy shots), or other interventions to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life for individuals living with allergies.
Common Misspellings for ALLERGY IMMUNOLOGY
- allergy, immiunology
- allergy immunology
Etymology of ALLERGY IMMUNOLOGY
The word "allergy" is derived from the Greek words "allos" (meaning "other" or "different") and "ergon" (meaning "work" or "reaction"). It was coined by the Austrian pediatrician Clemens von Pirquet in 1906 to describe the abnormal immune response to normally harmless substances.
The word "immunology" is derived from the Latin word "immunis" (meaning "exempt" or "free from") and the Greek word "logos" (meaning "study" or "science"). It was coined by Russian immunologist Elie Metchnikoff in 1882 to describe the study of the immune system and its response to foreign substances.
