Awareness and control of allergenic chemicals (2)

2.

(1) Three basic steps

The process of producing an allergic reaction to a chemical substance must have the following three basic steps:

(1) Chemical substances with sensitizing effects (allergens) enter the body through a certain route, combine with tissue proteins, etc.

(2) Generally, after a certain time of sensitization period, usually 1 to 2 weeks (or even as short as a few hours), the immune response in the body is fully developed and a certain number of sensitized lymphocytes or specific antibodies are formed

(3) Contacting the chemical substance (stimulation) through a certain way again can make the body's increased sensitivity to the antigen (chemical substance) manifest in the form of known pathological phenomena

(2) Five characteristics

Allergic reaction lesions caused by chemical substances have the following five characteristics:

(1) The manifestation of allergic reaction is different from the general toxic reaction of the substance, and the tissue pathology is different from the toxic change of the substance, but the immunoreactive inflammatory change

(2) After the initial contact, a sensitization period of 1 to 2 weeks (rarely a few days or a few hours) is usually passed, and the reaction can appear when the same substance is contacted again

(3) The dose-response law of toxicology is not completely followed.

(4) It is specific and must be in contact with chemical substances with the same chemical structure of the allergen or with cross-reactions in order to cause the reappearance of the reaction

(5) It is not necessary that allergic reaction symptoms occur only in parts or organs exposed to allergens

3.

Commonly used anti-allergic drugs mainly include the following four types

(1) Antihistamines

Antihistamines are the most commonly used antiallergic drugs and are most suitable for type I (rapid) allergic reactions

(2) Allergic reaction mediator blocker

Allergic response mediator blockers are also called mast cell stabilizers

(3) Calcium

Calcium can increase the density of capillaries and reduce permeability, thereby reducing exudation and reducing or alleviating allergic symptoms

(4) Immunosuppressant

Immunosuppressants mainly have non-specific inhibitory effects on the immune function of the body, and are effective for all types of allergic reactions, but are mainly used to treat intractable exogenous allergic diseases, autoimmune diseases, and organ transplants

Once an allergic reaction occurs, the allergen must first be accurately identified as soon as possible, and no further contact with the allergen is forbidden.

Related Links: Awareness and Control of Allergenic Chemicals (1)