Allergology

What is allergology?

Allergology is a medical specialty dedicated to the study, diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases. These conditions occur when the immune system overreacts to substances that are harmless to most people, such as dust, pollen, certain foods or medications. Our team of allergists at Affidea identifies the specific allergens that cause these reactions, helping patients reduce their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

What are the most common allergic diseases?

Allergic diseases can manifest themselves in different ways, from respiratory symptoms to skin problems or severe food reactions. Affidea explains the most common ones:

• Asthma: One of the most common and potentially serious allergic diseases, asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing (whistling in the chest), coughing and a tight feeling in the chest. Allergic asthma is usually triggered by allergens such as dust, pollen or animal hair.

• Rhinitis or Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis: More common than asthma, this condition is characterized by symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy nose and eyes, and runny nose. Rhinoconjunctivitis is usually seasonal, especially during peak pollination times, although some cases can occur throughout the year.

• Urticaria: Urticaria is a skin reaction manifested by reddish, raised welts (wheals), which are usually pruritic and cause intense itching. These welts usually disappear within a few hours, but may reappear on different areas of the body. When urticaria is chronic, it can significantly affect the patient's quality of life.

These are some of the most common allergic diseases, but there are other manifestations, such as food allergy or anaphylaxis, which may require urgent medical attention. If you experience any allergy symptoms, do not hesitate to consult our allergology service. Our team of professionals is trained to diagnose and treat a wide variety of allergic diseases, helping you to regain wellness and improve your quality of life.

Diagnostic techniques, procedures and methods

For an accurate and personalized diagnosis, Affidea uses several advanced diagnostic tests:

• Skin Tests (Prick Tests): These tests consist of applying small amounts of allergens on the skin to observe the body's reaction. They are quick and useful for detecting allergies to substances such as pollen or dust mites.

• Patch Tests: At Affidea we use this method to diagnose allergic contact dermatitis. During the test, different allergens are applied to the patient's skin to evaluate whether they cause a reaction. This test is especially useful for identifying allergies to everyday products, such as certain cosmetics or metals.

• Serological Tests: Through blood tests, we can measure the immune system's response to various allergens and confirm the presence of allergies.

• Provocation Testing: In a safe and controlled environment, small amounts of an allergen are administered to the patient to evaluate their reaction. This method is relevant for diagnosis of food or drug allergies.

Treatment

At Affidea, our professionals offer a variety of treatment options and support for allergy management. Our team designs personalized plans that include gradual sensitization approaches, specific methods to reduce symptoms and advice on avoiding allergic triggers. Our goal is to help each patient manage their allergies and improve their well-being in a lasting way.