home

about

join us

providers

privacy

contact us

career  

Orange County, California

Acupuncture
Adult Day Care
Allergy & Asthma
Alternative Medicine
Assisted Living
Audiology
Chiropractic
Clinical Research
Community Health
Cosmetic Surgery
Dental Care
Dermatology
Endodontist
Family Practice
Fertility
Gastroenterology
Health Insurance
Home Care
Hospice
Hospitals
Hypnotherapy
Imaging
Internal Medicine
Laboratory
Laser & Botox
Medical Supplies
Neurology
Obstetrics & Gynecology

Ophthalmology
Optometry
Orthodontics
Orthopedic Surgery
Pain management

Parenthood
Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatrics
Pharmacy
Physical Medicine
Physical Therapy
Plastic Surgery
Podiatry
Psychology
Rehabilitation
Retirement Community
Skilled Nursing
Skin Care
Speech Pathology
Sports Medicine
Urgent Care
Urinary Continence
Urogynecology
Weight Loss

 

Allergy, Asthma, Immunology

ALLERGY, ASTHMA, IMMUNOLOGY

The most common types of allergic reactions-hay fever, some kinds of asthma, and hives-are produced when the immune system response to a false alarm. In a susceptible person, a normally harmless substance-grass pollen or house dust, for example-is perceived as a threat and is attacked. 

Such allergic reactions are related to the antibody known as immunoglobulin E. Like other antibodies, each IgE antibody is specific; one reacts against oak pollen, another against ragweed. The role of IgE in the natural order is not known, although some scientists suspect that it developed as a defense against infection by parasitic worms. 

The first time an allergy-prone person is exposed to an allergen, he or she makes large amounts of the corresponding IgE antibody. These IgE molecules attach to the surfaces of mast cells (in tissue) or basophils (in the circulation). Mast cells are plentiful in the lungs, skin, tongue, and linings of the nose and intestinal tract. 

When an IgE antibody siting on a mast cell or basophil encounters its specific allergen, the IgE antibody signals the mast cell or basophil to release the powerful chemicals stored within its granules. These chemicals include histamine, heparin, and substances that activate blood platelets and attract secondary cells such as eosinophils and neutrophils. The activated mast cell or basophil also synthesizes new mediators, including prostaglandins and leukotrienes, on the spot. 

It is such chemical mediators that cause the symptoms of allergy, including wheezing, sneezing, runny eyes and itching. They can also produce anaphylactic shock*, a life-threatening allergic reaction characterized by swelling of body tissues, including the throat, and a sudden fall in blood pressure.

More information and fact sheet on Living with Allergies: Resources for Patients.

*A life-threatening allergic reaction characterized by a swelling of body tissues including the throat, difficulty in breathing, and a sudden fall in blood pressure.


John T Chiu, MD
Allergy Medical Group, Inc
400 Newport Center Dr.
Suite 401
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949-644-1422

 


Denis Yoshii, DO
26671 Aliso Creek Rd,
Suite 101
Aliso viejo, CA 92656
949.916.5437


Otto Liao MD
TLC Allergy and Asthma Associates, Inc.
18800 Main St., Suite 107
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714.838.2617
 


Add your business here
 

 

irvine, costa mesa, tustin, san clemente, san juan capistrano, rancho santa margarita, foothill ranch, laguna hills, languan nigual, lake forest, mission viejo, irvine, fountain valley, huntington beach, laguna beach, aliso viejo, newport beach, santa ana, anaheim, fullerton, orange, norlwalk, downey, dana point, laguna woods, seal beach,
Copyright © 2010 OC Healthcare News & Directory, a division of Healthy Media, Inc. All rights reserved.