Allergic Respiratory Disorders: Role of Bresol

Immunologically, there are two important phases in a child in-utero and postnatal. In the 18th week of gestation, TH (T helper) cells appear in the blood. These cells prepare the child’s immune system for postnatal life. When there is a balance between TH1 and TH2 cells, interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon-y, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and natural killer (NK) cells-which give protection against viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms-are produced in the body. However, inheritance of certain genes in children results in the production of excessive TH2 cells in the immune system. When such children are exposed to allergens, they develop allergic diseases.1 The immune system consists of two types of immune responses: specific and nonspecific. Specific response is characterized by its ability to recognize specific invaders (antigens); cells of specific response include T cells, B cells, and NK cells. Some of these cells destroy antigens directly, whereas others secrete antibodies to destroy them. Nonspecific immune mechanisms help eliminate infections by rapidly killing bacteria and viruses upon first contact. Allergy is an overreaction of the immune system induced by exposure to a particular Table 1. Th e road to allergy