Allergology
What does allergology deal with?
Allergology is a branch of medicine that deals with allergic diseases and helps their diagnosis and treatment.
An allergy occurs when the body mistakenly reacts to certain substances as if they were harmful, so the cells of the immune system produce antibodies to protect themselves against the foreign substance. The excessive immune response triggers an allergic reaction in the body.
Foreign substances can enter the body in several ways, such as through the skin, the respiratory tract or the digestive tract. Depending on this, we distinguish between skin, respiratory and food allergies, but many other external substances, including metals and medicines, can also cause allergies.
In what cases is it recommended to visit an allergologist?
The symptoms caused by allergens depend on the type of allergy, but also on age and season. It is worth visiting an allergologist with the following complaints, among others:
- frequent sneezing, nasal congestion, runny or itching nose, dry cough, watery or itching eyes
- hives, redness, itching, blisters, eczema, swelling of the lips and face
- abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea – if these symptoms are present, it is recommended to visit a gastroenterologist first
What happens during the examination?
During the examination, the doctor reviews the patient’s medical history, the medical documentation provided and performs a physical examination. To establish an accurate diagnosis, the allergologist performs or prescribes additional tests, if necessary. The appropriate therapy can be developed – after the diagnosis is established, knowing all the test results.
What are the most common tests that an allergologist may request or apply?
- Prick test (skin test)
- laboratory tests – allergy and intolerance laboratory tests