How does understanding the allergic cascade help?
How can we put this new understanding of allergic reaction to good use? By looking closely at the complex steps involved in this chain of events, scientists have been able to find new and innovative treatments for common and troublesome allergic illnesses. The most basic, and best, approach to caring for allergies is avoidance of the substances causing them, the allergens. Some allergens such as pet dander, foods, and medications are relatively easy to avoid. However, many other allergens, such as dust mites, molds, and pollens are more difficult to evade. Measures to reduce exposure to them, however, are still essential for the optimal treatment of allergies. The most convenient approach to the treatment of allergies involves taking various medications. A classic example of an allergic medication is the standard antihistamine. The importance of histamine in allergic disease is illustrated by the effectiveness of antihistamines (medically termed H1 receptor blockers) in preventing cert
