Mediators of Allergic Reactions

Mediators of allergic reaction

Mediators of an allergic reaction are the general name for biologically active substances that are formed in the pathochemical stage of an allergic reaction and have an effect (often pathogenic) on the cells, organs and systems of the body.

The main mediators of the allergic reaction include histamine, serotonin, prostaglandins, leukotrienes, platelet activating factor, eosinophilic cationic protein and others. These substances are released from mast cells, basophils, eosinophils and other immunocompetent cells during their degranulation, which occurs under the influence of an allergen.

The release of mediators causes the development of various pathological reactions that underlie the clinical manifestations of allergies - swelling, hyperemia, bronchospasm, itching, pain and other symptoms. Therefore, mediators play a key role in the mechanisms of development and course of allergic diseases, such as allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, urticaria, Quincke's edema, food and drug allergies.

In our modern world, where we are constantly faced with new types of allergens, questions about the prevention and treatment of allergic reactions are becoming increasingly relevant. One of the important aspects in this matter is knowledge about the mediators of the allergic reaction, which are biological active substances formed in the pathochemical phase of the allergic reaction. In this article we will look at the concept of mediators of an allergic reaction, as well as how they affect the body.

Mediators of allergic reaction

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Ia is the general name for biological active substances released during the pathochemical stage of an allergic reaction, which have a destructive effect on the entire body. During an allergic reaction, the body reacts to what is considered a foreign object to it. One of the most common examples is a reaction to pollen during flowering allergies. The body reacts to pollen by releasing substances such as histamine, which leads to symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, etc.

When an allergen enters the body, it triggers the allergy process, which consists of three stages: pathochemical, immunological and pathophysiological. The pathochemical stage is the initial phase of the allergic reaction - it includes the release and activation of allergy mediators. These mediators have a significant impact on the entire system, up to the manifestation of allergy symptoms.

Classification of allergic mediators

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There are several classifications of mediators of allergic reactions, based on different criteria. For example, mediators can be divided into two main classes - early and late. Early mediators are associated with the release of pathological substances that lead to immediate symptoms of an allergic reaction within the first few minutes after contact with the allergen. These include histamine and bradykinin.

In turn, late mediators are responsible for the development of delayed symptoms. This may take several hours to days after exposure. These are called platelet-releasing factors, such as platelet-activating factor. There is also another classification of mediators according to their functions - among them are chemotaxis factors, mast cell activation factors and others. Each of these mediators plays an important role in the development of allergic reactions.

Symptoms of mediators allergic reactions

When mediators influence the human body, various symptoms are possible. Some of the most common symptoms include itching, hives, rhinitis (inflammation of the nose), conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eyes), wheezing in the chest, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, conjunctivitis, migraines, nausea (as in bouts of vomiting), diarrhea, dizziness.

An allergy is an acute or chronic reaction of the immune system to substances that it should not recognize as dangerous. One of the symptoms of allergies is itching and redness of the skin. Apart from this, there may be other symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, swelling, difficulty breathing, etc. The main reason for the development of allergies is the effect of various allergens on the body. The body tries to protect itself from them, but as a result negative reactions occur.

Allergies can be caused by various substances: pollen, dust, food, medications, household chemicals and others. Symptoms can manifest in different ways: some will have hives, while others will experience swelling and itching.

One of the most important symptoms of allergies