Clinic of Dermatology
Allergology
Allergy means an abnormally altered reaction exhibited towards a harmless protein or chemical derived from the surrounding environment. The reaction is triggered by the contact between the substance and the patient’s immune system and may lead to asthma, hay fever, urticaria, eczema, swelling, itch and anaphylactic shock. The recent years are marked by rapid increase in the spread of allergic diseases. A combination between our genes and changes in the environment, living conditions, diet and “western” lifestyle are considered to be the responsible factors for allergy.
The most common allergic conditions, which the clinician faces include:
- Asthma and wheezing
- Allergic diseases of the nose and sinuses
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Allergic diseases of the skin – urticaria and angioedema, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis
- Food allergy and intolerance
- Allergy towards medications, anaesthetics and latex
- Anaphylactic shock with consciousness
- Allergy after insect stinging (bees and wasps)
- Occupational allergy
What should you expect from the first visit to the allergy office?
The first visit includes a detailed discussion of the patient’s history of allergy, diseases and medical examination. You can expect the performance of basic diagnostic tests (skin allergy testing). You will receive the test results and recommendations for treatment. It is necessary that you stop the administration of antihistaminic medications 3 to 7 days before the first visit and carry, if possible a list of the suspected causative substances of your allergy. Our laboratory can offer blood allergy testing (RAST), which is an option for infants and children. The contemporary allergy lab offers instrumental methods of examination like functional investigation of respiration, rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry.
The follow up and control of the allergic condition includes identification of the causative agent – the allergen and its elimination from the surrounding environment. If the patient cannot take measures to avoid the allergen then he must receive medications to protect and relieve him/her from symptoms. Administration of specific immunotherapy and desensitization aims at achieving tolerance towards the allergen and decreases the intensity of allergic response.
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