Introduction
Allergies are a growing health problem worldwide and affect a significant number of the population. These immune reactions to usually harmless substances can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions. In this article, we will discuss the immunology of allergies, common triggers, diagnostic procedures and therapeutic approaches relevant to the medical community.

What are allergies?

Allergies are caused by an inadequate immune response to antigens that are harmless to the majority of the population. These substances, also known as allergens, trigger an immune response in sensitised individuals that is mainly based on the activation of IgE antibodies. The release of mediators such as histamine and leukotrienes leads to the typical symptoms of an allergy, which can originate from the skin, the respiratory tract and the digestive tract.

The reactions typically fall into two categories: Immediate reactions (Type I) and delayed reactions (Type IV). Type I allergies are characterised by a rapid reaction within minutes of exposure, while type IV allergies, such as some contact dermatitis, cause a delayed immune response.

Common types of allergies

Pollen allergy (hay fever)

Pollen allergies are one of the most common allergic diseases worldwide. They affect the upper respiratory tract in particular and are associated with increased IgE production against pollen proteins such as Bet v 1 (birch) and Phl p 5 (grasses). Pollen allergies mainly occur in the spring and summer months when pollen concentrations in the air are at their highest.

House dust mite allergy

House dust mites are a common trigger for allergic rhinitis and asthma. Dust mite faeces contain proteolytic enzymes that trigger an IgE-mediated reaction in sensitised individuals. These reactions can occur especially indoors, where the mite population is particularly high due to temperature and humidity.

Food allergies

Food allergies are characterised by an excessive IgE response to certain proteins in foods such as nuts, milk, eggs or fish. These can cause severe reactions ranging from anaphylaxis to gastrointestinal symptoms. Clinical studies have shown an increasing prevalence of food allergies in children and adults, which requires early diagnosis and preventive measures.

Insect sting allergy

Allergic reactions to insect stings (e.g. bee, wasp or hornet stings) can range from localised skin reactions to severe anaphylactic reactions. In clinical practice, it is important to consider preventive immunotherapy in patients with a known insect sting allergy in order to minimise the risk of severe reactions.

Animal hair allergies

Allergies to animal dander, particularly from cats and dogs, are characterised by sensitisation to specific proteins such as Fel d 1 (cat) and Can f 1 (dog). These allergies can cause both skin and respiratory symptoms and often require specific immunotherapy (SIT), especially in more severe reactions.

Pathophysiology of the allergic reaction

The pathophysiology of allergy is based on the activation of type 2 T helper cells (Th2) and the subsequent production of IgE antibodies. As soon as IgE antibodies bind to mast cells and basophils, renewed contact with the allergen leads to degranulation of these cells and the release of inflammatory mediators such as histamine, prostaglandins and leukotrienes. This leads to the typical symptoms of an allergic reaction, including vasodilation, increased permeability of the blood vessels and mucus production.

Diagnosis of allergies

The diagnosis of an allergy includes a thorough medical history, clinical examinations and specific tests:

• Skin prick test (SPT): This test is one of the most common diagnostic methods and is used to check IgE-mediated sensitisation to specific allergens.
• Blood test for specific IgE: The RAST test (radioallergosorbent test) or modern ELISA tests enable the quantitative determination of specific IgE and support the diagnosis.
• Provocation tests: In difficult cases or if a rare form of allergy is suspected, a provocation test can be carried out in order to make a definitive diagnosis.

Treatment of allergies

The treatment of allergies depends on the severity of the symptoms and the triggering allergen. The most important therapeutic options include:

• Antihistamines: Second-generation antihistamines such as loratadine and cetirizine are widely available and provide effective symptomatic relief without significant sedative effects.
• Corticosteroids: In severe cases or chronic allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis and asthma, corticosteroid nasal sprays or inhaled therapies are of central importance.
• Immunotherapy (SIT): Specific immunotherapy is the only causal therapy for allergies and is mainly used for pollen, house dust mite and insect venom allergies.
• Monoclonal antibodies: Biologics such as omalizumab (an anti-IgE antibody) are increasingly being used in the treatment of allergic asthma and chronic urticaria, particularly in patients who do not respond adequately to conventional therapies.

Prevention and prevention

The prevention of allergies is a complex issue, as genetic and environmental factors play a role. Nevertheless, early management of risk factors and minimising exposure to allergens can lead to a reduction in incidence:

• Early exposure to allergens: Current research suggests that early exposure to environmental allergens in the first years of life can reduce the risk of developing allergies.
• Avoiding risk factors: Patients should be encouraged to create allergen-free environments, such as using HEPA filters, washing bed linen regularly and avoiding contact with known allergens.

Conclusion

Allergies are a complex medical problem that requires a thorough diagnostic work-up and personalised treatment. However, by combining pharmacological interventions and preventive measures, patients can achieve a significant improvement in their quality of life in many cases. As healthcare professionals, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest diagnostic procedures and therapeutic approaches in order to provide the best possible care for affected patients.

Allergies and frequency therapy: an alternative approach to regulating the immune system

In recent years, frequency therapy has established itself as a complementary method for dealing with allergies. While traditional approaches such as antihistamines and immunotherapies primarily have a symptomatic or immunomodulating effect, frequency therapy focuses on the regulation of biological processes through targeted frequency impulses. The basic idea behind this form of therapy is based on the assumption that every substance, every tissue and even pathological processes have characteristic electromagnetic frequencies.

In the case of an allergy, the organism reacts to harmless substances with an excessive immune response. The aim of frequency therapy is to achieve a reharmonisation of the disturbed energetic balance by applying specific frequency patterns - for example by neutralising allergen-associated frequencies or strengthening the body's own regulatory mechanisms.

An increasingly integrated component of frequency therapy is working with so-called autonosodes. These are the patient's own homeopathically prepared materials - such as saliva, blood, urine or allergen-laden secretions. These are converted into frequency information in a special process, which can then be applied via bioenergetic devices or carriers. The aim is to present the body with a kind of "mirror image" of its own imbalance on a subtle level, thereby creating a targeted stimulus to trigger self-regulation.

Many patients find this method particularly helpful for chronic allergies or allergies that are difficult to categorise. In practice, the combination of frequency therapy and autonosodes is often used to modulate both the allergic reaction and the systemic sensitivity of the immune system.

Although there are as yet no recognised studies with a high level of evidence for the effectiveness of this method in the conventional medical sense, experience reports in complementary medical practice show that functional complaints in particular, such as those that occur with hay fever, atopic eczema or food intolerances, can be positively influenced.

Frequency therapy in combination with autonosodes therefore offers an alternative, customised therapeutic approach that can be considered as a supplement to conventional allergy treatment - especially for patients who are looking for a holistic, energy-oriented approach to symptom relief.