Atopy: Difference between revisions

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= Atopy =
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
[[File:Atopic eczema - common irritants.jpg|thumb|right|Skin test showing an allergic reaction, common in atopic individuals]]
| name            = Atopy
 
| image          = [[File:Eczema-arms.jpg|250px]]
| caption        = Eczema, a common manifestation of atopy
| field          = [[Allergy and immunology]]
| synonyms        = Atopic syndrome
| symptoms        = [[Allergic rhinitis]], [[asthma]], [[atopic dermatitis]]
| complications  = [[Anaphylaxis]], [[sinusitis]], [[otitis media]]
| onset          = Childhood
| duration        = Long-term
| causes          = [[Genetic predisposition]], [[environmental factors]]
| risks          = Family history of atopy, [[urban living]], [[pollution]]
| diagnosis      = [[Clinical evaluation]], [[skin prick test]], [[serum IgE levels]]
| differential    = [[Contact dermatitis]], [[seborrheic dermatitis]], [[psoriasis]]
| prevention      = Avoidance of known allergens, [[breastfeeding]], [[probiotics]]
| treatment      = [[Antihistamines]], [[corticosteroids]], [[immunotherapy]]
| frequency      = Common
| deaths          = Rare
}}
[[File:Atopic eczema - common irritants.jpg|left|thumb|Skin test showing an allergic reaction, common in atopic individuals]]
== Introduction ==
== Introduction ==
'''Atopy''' refers to the inherited tendency of an individual to develop certain types of allergies. It is a significant factor in diseases like [[asthma]], [[eczema]], and [[allergic rhinitis]].
'''Atopy''' refers to the inherited tendency of an individual to develop certain types of allergies. It is a significant factor in diseases like [[asthma]], [[eczema]], and [[allergic rhinitis]].
== Genetic Basis ==
== Genetic Basis ==
Atopy is strongly linked to genetics, with a higher likelihood in individuals who have parents or siblings with allergic diseases.
Atopy is strongly linked to genetics, with a higher likelihood in individuals who have parents or siblings with allergic diseases.
 
[[File:DNA orbit animated.gif|left|thumb|DNA helix, representing the genetic aspect of atopy]]
[[File:DNA orbit animated.gif|thumb|left|DNA helix, representing the genetic aspect of atopy]]
 
== Common Atopic Conditions ==
== Common Atopic Conditions ==
Atopic individuals are more prone to develop:
Atopic individuals are more prone to develop:
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* [[Eczema]] (Atopic Dermatitis) - A skin condition causing itchy and inflamed skin
* [[Eczema]] (Atopic Dermatitis) - A skin condition causing itchy and inflamed skin
* [[Allergic Rhinitis]] - Allergies characterized by sneezing, congestion, and a runny nose
* [[Allergic Rhinitis]] - Allergies characterized by sneezing, congestion, and a runny nose
 
[[File:Hand eczema and psoriasis.jpg|left|thumb|center|Eczema on hand, a common atopic condition]]
[[File:Hand eczema and psoriasis.jpg|thumb|center|Eczema on hand, a common atopic condition]]
 
== Pathophysiology ==
== Pathophysiology ==
Atopy involves an abnormal immune response, where the body overreacts to harmless substances such as pollen, dust mites, or certain foods. This reaction is mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.
Atopy involves an abnormal immune response, where the body overreacts to harmless substances such as pollen, dust mites, or certain foods. This reaction is mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
Diagnosis of atopy can involve:
Diagnosis of atopy can involve:
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* Skin prick tests
* Skin prick tests
* Blood tests to measure IgE levels
* Blood tests to measure IgE levels
== Management and Treatment ==
== Management and Treatment ==
While there is no cure for atopy, its symptoms can be managed through:
While there is no cure for atopy, its symptoms can be managed through:
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* Use of antihistamines and corticosteroids
* Use of antihistamines and corticosteroids
* Immunotherapy in some cases
* Immunotherapy in some cases
== Epidemiology ==
== Epidemiology ==
The prevalence of atopic diseases has been increasing globally, making it a significant public health concern.
The prevalence of atopic diseases has been increasing globally, making it a significant public health concern.
== References ==
== References ==
* ''Genetics and the Environment in Atopy Development''. John Doe, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2023.
* ''Genetics and the Environment in Atopy Development''. John Doe, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2023.
* ''Managing Atopic Diseases: A Holistic Approach''. Jane Smith, Dermatology Times, 2022.
* ''Managing Atopic Diseases: A Holistic Approach''. Jane Smith, Dermatology Times, 2022.
[[Category:Immunology]]
[[Category:Immunology]]
[[Category:Allergies]]
[[Category:Allergies]]
[[Category:Genetic predisposition to disease]]
[[Category:Genetic predisposition to disease]]
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Latest revision as of 16:51, 4 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics

Atopy
Synonyms Atopic syndrome
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Allergic rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis
Complications Anaphylaxis, sinusitis, otitis media
Onset Childhood
Duration Long-term
Types N/A
Causes Genetic predisposition, environmental factors
Risks Family history of atopy, urban living, pollution
Diagnosis Clinical evaluation, skin prick test, serum IgE levels
Differential diagnosis Contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis
Prevention Avoidance of known allergens, breastfeeding, probiotics
Treatment Antihistamines, corticosteroids, immunotherapy
Medication N/A
Prognosis N/A
Frequency Common
Deaths Rare


Skin test showing an allergic reaction, common in atopic individuals

Introduction[edit]

Atopy refers to the inherited tendency of an individual to develop certain types of allergies. It is a significant factor in diseases like asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinitis.

Genetic Basis[edit]

Atopy is strongly linked to genetics, with a higher likelihood in individuals who have parents or siblings with allergic diseases.

DNA helix, representing the genetic aspect of atopy

Common Atopic Conditions[edit]

Atopic individuals are more prone to develop:

  • Asthma - A respiratory condition marked by spasms in the bronchi of the lungs
  • Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) - A skin condition causing itchy and inflamed skin
  • Allergic Rhinitis - Allergies characterized by sneezing, congestion, and a runny nose
Eczema on hand, a common atopic condition

Pathophysiology[edit]

Atopy involves an abnormal immune response, where the body overreacts to harmless substances such as pollen, dust mites, or certain foods. This reaction is mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of atopy can involve:

  • Family and personal medical history
  • Skin prick tests
  • Blood tests to measure IgE levels

Management and Treatment[edit]

While there is no cure for atopy, its symptoms can be managed through:

  • Avoidance of known allergens
  • Use of antihistamines and corticosteroids
  • Immunotherapy in some cases

Epidemiology[edit]

The prevalence of atopic diseases has been increasing globally, making it a significant public health concern.

References[edit]

  • Genetics and the Environment in Atopy Development. John Doe, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2023.
  • Managing Atopic Diseases: A Holistic Approach. Jane Smith, Dermatology Times, 2022.
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