Allergology
Allergology private practice
Allergology is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases.
Since allergies have become a widespread condition in our country, there is an increasing demand among the Hungarian population to have their condition treated, as it negatively affects their quality of life. Allergology plays a key role in this.
Allergies are always an incorrect immune response by the human body, where it reacts strongly to pollen, dust mites, pet hair, mold spores, chemicals, or various food components.
It is important to know that most allergies can now be treated very effectively by modern medicine. At the Lotusz Medical Center’s allergology clinic, we do everything possible to help patients regain a healthy quality of life as soon as possible.
When should you see an allergologist?
Allergic reactions can cause unpleasant symptoms in many parts of the body, but they most commonly affect the skin, respiratory tract, and eyes. You should seek an allergologist immediately if you experience the following symptoms:
- Persistent or constant runny nose with watery nasal discharge, often accompanied by itching and partial or complete loss of smell.
- Continuous sneezing or frequent sneezing fits, whether outdoors or in certain indoor environments.
- Redness, itching, and tearing of the eyes, possibly leading to chronic conjunctivitis.
- Persistent dry cough or throat irritation that is not related to a cold or flu.
- Symptoms indicative of asthma, such as frequent barking cough or difficulty breathing.
- Unpleasant skin symptoms, such as rashes, redness, itching, or eczema.
- Bloating, stomach pain, or diarrhea after consuming certain foods.
What conditions does an allergologist treat?
An allergologist deals with all forms of allergies, including:
- General pollen allergies
- General food allergies
- Allergic rhinitis
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Atopic eczema
- Acute or chronic urticaria (hives) and other allergic symptoms
How does an allergology examination work?
Diagnosing allergies is always a complex process, as the allergologist must identify exactly which allergens the patient is sensitive to. This is essential for prescribing the appropriate medication and developing an effective treatment plan.
Anamnesis
Like most specialist examinations, allergology tests begin with a thorough medical history assessment. It is crucial for the patient to describe their symptoms in detail—when, where, with what intensity, and in what environment or after consuming which foods they experience them.
It is also important to review any existing medical conditions, medications being taken, lifestyle factors, family medical history, and work or living environment, as these can influence the diagnosis and treatment.
Based on this information, further tests and treatments can be determined.
Prick Test
The Prick test is a specialized skin test that painlessly detects which allergens trigger a reaction in the patient. During the test, concentrated solutions of various allergens are applied to the skin of the forearm and then pricked with a sterile lancet.
If the patient is allergic to any of the substances, a small swollen reaction (wheal) appears at the test site, allowing the allergologist to determine which therapy or medication is needed to reduce or eliminate the symptoms.
The Prick test is not only painless but also completely safe. It takes a maximum of 30 minutes and is particularly effective for diagnosing pollen and pet allergies.
Laboratory test
Another key diagnostic tool in allergology is laboratory examination. This is especially important for detecting food allergies or when the prick test does not provide conclusive results or cannot be performed for some reason.
In such cases, tests may be conducted to measure total IgE and allergen-specific IgE levels, as well as immunoglobulin levels. Serological tests and, in certain cases, bacteriological examinations may also be required to identify specific allergies.
It is essential that, just like with the Prick test, patients must stop taking antihistamines at least three days before the lab test to ensure accurate results.