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How Atopy Can Be Defined As The Genetic Tendency Of An Individual With Develop Allergic Diseases Such As Allergic

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Atopy can be defined as the genetic tendency of an individual to develop allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, asthma and atopic dermatitis. It is also known as a hypersensitivity disorder or an exaggerated immune reaction to a foreign antigen. It is associated with a heightened immune response by the body to common allergens which may be inhaled, contact or food allergens (Medicine net, 2016). Atopy also involves the capacity to produce immunoglobulin E (IgE) in response to common environmental proteins, resulting in an IgE mediated allergy (Medscape, 2017). As in the case study, an IgE- mediated allergy to finned fish and crustaceans was established.

The earliest symptomatic presentations were itchiness, redness and swelling of …show more content…

Inhalation of the seafood-aerosols resulted in the asthma symptoms. Inhalation is also a common route of entry for allergens into the systemic circulation.
Also, the constant skin contact with native fish and crustaceans for about 10years while working as a truck driver was another predisposing factor. The longer the exposure time of the substance on the surface of the body, the higher the dermal absorption of substances into the body (Mehta, 2004).

Another exposure factor is that the sensitization by the worker was facilitated by the wet and cold conditions of the work environment (irritative factors). Increase in the water content and temperature of the skin increases the rate and extent of dermal absorption of substances. A rise in the temperature of the skin results in vasodilation which allows for the passage of more blood in the dermal layers of the skin resulting in an increase in the transport via diffusion of harmful materials into the body (Shier, Butler, & Lewis, 2014, p. 136). When the integrity of the skin surface is compromised or damaged by temperature trauma resulting from wet and cold conditions of the sea-food products, scrapes, cuts or bruises due to lack of hand gloves; its ability to serve as an effective protective layer is affected (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 2013).
Therefore, the lower the integrity of the skin, the higher the permeability and extent of dermal absorption of substances from the skin surface

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