Stem Cells for Allergies

It consists of an exaggerated immune response provoked by a factor that is not usually harmful, manifesting itself in various organs of the body.

What is it?

The allergic reaction consists in the perception of our organism as harmful of a substance that is not harmful (allergen). This contact triggers an exaggerated immune response that manifests itself in various organs of the body.

The most frequent allergens are: pollens, mites, animal epithelia, latex (or natural rubber, which is present in rubber gloves, probes, catheters, balloons, pacifiers, bottle teats, etc.), wasp stings, certain foods and some medications.

The allergen can come into contact with the body in several ways: inhaled through the nose or mouth, ingested (food or certain drugs), injected (drugs or insect bites) or by contact with the skin, causing contact dermatitis.

Signs & Symptoms

In order of frequency and severity, they can first cause rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis manifested by itchy nose and eyes, watery nasal discharge, sneezing, stuffy nose, etc.

The most common symptoms are:

  • Nasal congestion
  • Rhinorrhea (increased nasal mucus)
  • Sneezing
  • Tearing and redness of the eyes.
  • Dry cough
  • Whistling in the chest when breathing
  • Shortness of breath

diagnosis

The diagnosis of allergies is made by means of a skin test with the objective of reproducing in the skin the reaction that we present in other parts of the organism.

It consists of the application on the skin of the arm of drops containing the allergen to which we may be sensitive. The skin is pierced with a small lancet and the drops containing the allergen are introduced. The reaction is observed after 15-20 minutes.

In addition, it is possible to perform blood tests, with which we can quantify and demonstrate the presence of specific antibodies in a more precise way.

Complications

One of the main complications of allergic reactions is bronchial asthma. It should not be forgotten that 80% of all asthmatics are allergic.

Asthma may initially manifest itself with a dry cough, mainly triggered by exercise, laughter or tobacco smoke. Later, there is shortness of breath, chest sounds (wheezing or whistling) and a feeling of tightness in the chest. It can also manifest itself only when making efforts, for example climbing stairs, forcing us to stop because we are short of breath.

Stem Cells

Intravenous MSC therapy has the ability to suppress the inflammatory response, which is useful for patients suffering from allergies.
The protective effect is probably due to the cells’ ability to normalize the two-phase physical inflammatory response that is often imbalanced in these people.

Research studies demonstrate a decrease in eosinophilia as well as IgE levels; in addition, inflammatory cytokine levels did not decrease with corticosteroid treatment, but did decrease with MSCs.