title: [Allergy research: news in epidemiology, diagnosis and therapy. What applies to general practice?].
abstract: In the last few decades, the prevalence of allergic diseases has increased appreciably--for reasons that have not yet been identified. Currently research is concentrated on genetic basics, on the role of cytokines, T-helper and suppressor cells in the allergic sensitization process, and on the involvement of enzymes and chemokines in the triggering of an allergic reaction in the sensitized organism. New information provided by the results of research of relevance for the doctor's office concern the diagnosis of allergies, the avoidance of allergens, and prevention and immunotherapy. Today, improved methods of detecting IgE are available, and the atopy patch test has been shown to be superior to the prick and radio-allergo-sorbent tests. The measurement of allergens with strip tests in the domestic setting of the patient has improved the chances of avoiding allergen contact and prevention. Therapeutic innovations are to be found in particular in climatotherapy, the development of new antihistaminic agents as well as new allergen extracts and adjuvants for specific hyposensitization. In addition, initial results obtained with monoclonal IgE antibodies and an interleukin-4 receptor antagonist are very promising.
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie am Biederstein, TU München.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ring
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D015994:Incidence; D012307:Risk Factors