Research Article: A Cross-Sectional Analysis to Assess the Role of Atopy in Keratoconus Among Saudi Population
Abstract:
Atopy is described as a hereditary propensity to form immunoglobulin E antibodies (IgE) as a reaction to minute amounts of certain environmental factors, including house dust mites, pollen, or even food allergens. Allergies are the clinical expression of atopic diseases; nevertheless, not all allergies are atopic diseases. The most common characteristic of all atopic diseases is hypersensitivity of the skin and mucous membranes, and this hypersensitivity often runs in families. Several risk factors have been identified for atopic diseases. Risk and triggering factors such as allergens, tobacco smoke, and occupational factors are the causative agents of allergic reactions or acute asthma in atopic patients. People with atopic dermatitis have a greater propensity to respond to specific antigens in the environment. Epidemiological studies show that the incidence and prevalence of atopic diseases like asthma, hay fever, and atopic dermatitis are increasing in developing countries. However, the prevalence of atopic diseases has reached a plateau in developed western countries. Atopic involvement in a person is linked with an increased incidence of development of one or more of the atopic conditions, such as asthma, atopic dermatitis (eczema), allergic rhinoconjunctivitis/hay fever, as well as food allergies. However, atopy may manifest as asymptomatic sensitization, ie, it may be seen among patients who have proven allergic sensitization but may not display a clinical allergic reaction.
Introduction:
Atopy is described as a hereditary propensity to form immunoglobulin E antibodies (IgE) as a reaction to minute amounts of certain environmental factors, including house dust mites, pollen, or even food allergens. Allergies are the clinical expression of atopic diseases; nevertheless, not all allergies are atopic diseases. The most common characteristic of all atopic diseases is hypersensitivity of the skin and mucous membranes, and this hypersensitivity often runs in families. Several risk factors have been…
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