Inhalation allergen

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020

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Synonym(s)

Aero-allergen

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Inhalation allergens or aeroallergens are naturally occurring substances that are spread aerogenically (through the air). Inhalation allergens can be transmitted perennially (e.g. dust mites, animal pephelia) or seasonally (tree or grass pollen).

Inhalation allergens can also be divided into indoor (e.g. dust mites, animal epithelia, mould spores) and outdoor air allergens (pollen and mould spores).

The substances become an antigen for a human being through an acquired sensitization. Inhaled allergic diseases are often based on a type I allergy. In this case, B-lymphocytes produce immunoglobulins of the IgE type against allergens, which bind to certain cells(mast cells, basophilic granulocytes) via receptors, release various cytokines (mediators, e.g. histamine) and thus cause pathological allergic symptoms in various organs.

In Europe, grass pollen is considered the main cause of immediate allergic type diseases with symptoms on the skin or mucous membrane (rhintis allergica, conjunctivitis allergica, rhinitis allergica, allergic bronchial asthma). Furthermore, birch pollen is a significant source of inhalation allergens)

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020