Allergology
Allergology is a field of medicine that studies the structure and function of the immune system and the various disorders that lead to disease.
An allergic disease is a decline in health caused by an allergy. An allergy, in turn, is a heightened immune response to allergens, which are particles foreign to the body.
What can act as an allergen? There are many allergens, but the most common are:
- plant pollen;
- microorganisms;
- food products;
- certain specific foods;
- medications.
According to research from around the world, leading allergists have found that the number of immune system disorders causing allergies is rising rapidly. This is linked to poor environmental conditions, especially in large cities. Odesa is no exception.
However, allergies can also be caused by heredity, latent diseases, various infections, and helminth infections.
What does an allergist do?
- Examines the immune system to identify disorders in how it works and to find specific allergens. To do this, the allergist examines the patient and orders the necessary clinical tests.
- Determines the course of treatment for the condition found. Because allergic reactions have their own specifics, the specialist selects treatment based on the individual factors behind the disease.
- Adjusts therapy according to the patient's condition.
- Gives recommendations on allergy prevention.
When should you see an allergist-immunologist?
Patients are usually referred to an allergist by a general practitioner after coming in with complaints of feeling unwell, if the doctor suspects that the cause is an immune malfunction related to allergens.
You can also see an allergist if you have any of the following health problems:
- seasonal rhinitis and conjunctivitis, since these can be caused by an allergy to the pollen of various plants;
- year-round rhinitis and conjunctivitis, which is a sign of allergy to household irritants (dust, animal hair, etc.);
- recurrent bronchial asthma;
- a diagnosis of urticaria (hives), neurodermatitis, seborrhea, eczema, or angioedema (Quincke's edema);
- intolerance to certain foods (the list is not limited, but the most common are nuts, citrus fruits, seafood, eggs, dairy products, etc.);
- constant itching of the skin;
- reactions to medications or insect bites;
- a prolonged cough lasting 1 month or more without visible symptoms;
- attacks of choking or difficulty breathing;
- allergic dermatitis on contact with metals, cosmetics, or topical medications.
Who is at risk
- Children, because their immune systems have not yet fully formed. Specialists also consider a child to be at risk if at least one parent (or a brother or sister) has an atopic disease.
- Adults over 45, since immunity weakens with age.
- People of any age who live in an environmentally hazardous region or in an area with chemical and metallurgical industry.
- People who work in hazardous industrial conditions.
How diagnosis works
To make a diagnosis, the allergist usually orders:
- blood tests (complete blood count and specific IgE);
- based on the blood test results, sputum analysis and cytology of nasal secretions;
- a comprehensive immune system test, called an immunogram, which includes venous blood, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, and a nasopharyngeal scraping (if needed);
- an immunogram with a cytokine profile;
- skin tests, depending on the preliminary diagnosis.
To make an appointment with an allergist at Alt-Med,
call us in Odesa:
(067) 946-16-16
(048) 703-70-99
(067) 921-47-96
(050) 567-04-59
If you did not find the information you need, contact us in whatever way is convenient for you.