Digestive Health Irritable Bowel Syndrome Atopy and Atopic Disease By Barbara Bolen, PhD twitter Barbara Bolen, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and health coach. She has written multiple books focused on living with irritable bowel syndrome. Learn about our editorial process Barbara Bolen, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Priyanka Chugh, MD on January 28, 2020 linkedin Priyanka Chugh, MD, is board-certified gastroenterologist with a background in internal medicine. She practices with Trinity Health of New England in Waterbury, Connecticut. Learn about our Medical Review Board Priyanka Chugh, MD Updated on February 04, 2020 Print Atopic is a term used to describe an IgE-mediated response within the body following exposure to external irritants. Martin Leigh/Getty Images The Difference Between Atopy and Allergy Most of us are acquainted with the term "allergy." We understand that it is an exaggerated body reaction to an external irritant. Allergies cover a broad range of reactions. Atopy, on the other hand, refers to a genetic predisposition to diseases in which IgE antibodies are produced in response to even limited exposure to environmental triggers that don't typically bother other people. Thus, all atopic reactions are allergies, but not all allergies involve atopic responses. Often the two words are used interchangeably, although in clinical practice doctors are much more likely to use the word allergy. Atopic Diseases The following list contains the most common types of atopic disease: Allergic asthmaAtopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczemaAllergic rhinitis (hay fever) What Causes an Atopic Reaction? When a person who has an atopic disease is exposed to an allergen, an IgE response occurs that causes immune and blood cells to release substances, such as histamines, that trigger a variety of physical changes within the body. These changes can affect blood vessels, stimulate secretion of mucus, affect muscle functioning and create inflammation within cells of certain parts of the body. With atopy, genetic factors are typically involved, although environmental factors appear to play a role in both onset and maintenance of symptoms. Common Triggers As you will see, many of the triggers for atopy are air-borne: Animal danderDustDust mite droppingsMoldPollen Symptoms may also be triggered by contact with certain chemicals, certain types of fabrics, and other environmental irritants. Symptoms As you will see, many of the symptoms of atopy are those that you would associate with an allergic reaction: Hives, welts, scaling or other signs of skin irritationItching of the eyes, nose or skinNasal congestionRedness of the eyesA runny noseSinus pain and/or swellingSneezing The following symptoms indicate anaphylaxis which can be life-threatening and thus require immediate medical attention: Wheezing, shortness of breath or any difficulty breathingRapid or slowed heartbeatAny signs of mental confusion or loss of consciousness Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! One of the most challenging aspects of having IBS is trying to figure out what's safe to eat. Our recipe guide makes it easier. Sign up and get yours now! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Atopy Definition. UpToDate. The relationship between IgE and allergic disease. Moreno MA. JAMA Pediatrics Patient Page. Atopic Diseases in Children. JAMA Pediatr. 2016;170(1):96. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2015.3886 Caubet JC, Eigenmann PA. Allergic triggers in atopic dermatitis. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2010;30(3):289-307. doi:10.1016/j.iac.2010.06.002 Merck Manuals. Anaphylactic Reactions. July 2019. Additional Reading Lillestøl K, Helgeland L, Arslan lied G, et al. Indications of 'atopic bowel' in patients with self-reported food hypersensitivity. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2010;31(10):1112-22. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2036.2010.04261.x