ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY

Allergy and immunology is the medical department related to the diagnosis and treatment of disorders originating from the body’s immune system. The allergy diseases department usually focuses on the treatment of allergy and asthma. The immunology department, on the other hand, is more involved in treating immune system disorders or medical research on the immune system.

What is Allergy and Immunology?

Allergy and immunology is the branch of medicine that examines diseases originating from the body’s immune system. Immune system disorders can range from very common to very rare. It also covers patient follow-up at every age and various organ systems. Allergy occurs when the body overreacts to substances that are normally harmless, while immunology studies the immune system and its responses. This medical department deals with various health problems such as asthma, hay fever, eczema, food allergies, autoimmune diseases, and immune system deficiencies.

What Are Allergy and Immunology Diseases?

Allergy and immunology is a medical field that studies allergic diseases and immune system conditions that affect individuals. Allergic and immunological problems vary widely from asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, seasonal allergies, and celiac disease to lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, and life-threatening inflammatory reactions to drugs, foods, vaccines, and more. Some of the allergy and immunology diseases are:

• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever): Allergic rhinitis occurs as a result of contact with environmental allergens. It manifests itself with symptoms such as itching, redness, watering, and sometimes swelling of the eyelids. Discomfort can occur when exposed to various allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and mold spores.
• Allergic asthma: Allergic asthma, characterized by symptoms such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, and coughing, occurs when exposed to allergens as a result of inflammation and narrowing of the airways.
• Food allergies: Food allergies are a condition that occurs when your body overreacts to proteins in certain foods, and the condition in which they occur is called an allergic reaction. These allergies can be against common foods such as milk, eggs, nuts, and seafood and can lead to serious reactions.
• Anaphylaxis: Anaphylaxis is a severe type of allergic reaction. It often occurs after eating certain foods or being stung by an insect. Entering anaphylactic shock can be life-threatening. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips and face, low blood pressure, and loss of consciousness.
• Atopic dermatitis (eczema): Eczema is a condition that manifests itself with patches on the skin. This disease is non-contagious and is a common condition. Eczema symptoms may worsen when exposed to an irritant or allergen. Symptoms usually include redness, itching, and blisters on the skin.
• Autoimmune diseases: Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which the immune system targets the body’s own tissues.
• Immune deficiencies: Immune deficiencies are conditions where the immune system cannot perform its normal functions. These conditions can be congenital or acquired later.

What Are the Symptoms of Allergy and Immunology Diseases?

Some of the symptoms of allergy and immunology diseases are:

Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)

• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Sneezing
• Itchy nose and throat
• Itchy and watery eyes

Allergic Asthma

• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• Cough (may increase especially at night or early in the morning)
• Chest tightness or pain

Food Allergies

• Rash or redness on the skin
• Itching or burning sensation
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
• Stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing or wheezing

Anaphylaxis

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
• Redness or rash on the skin
• Rapid heartbeat
• Dizziness or fainting

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

• Dry, itchy skin
• Redness and inflammation
• Blisters or watery lesions
• Thickening or cracking of the skin

Autoimmune Diseases

• Joint pain and swelling (for example, in rheumatoid arthritis)
• Fatigue and weakness
• Fever
• Muscle weakness or pain
• Rash or skin changes

Immune Deficiencies

• Frequent recurrent infections, especially bacterial or fungal infections
• Chronic fatigue and weakness
• Recurring ulcers in the mouth and throat
• Weight loss
• Swelling or tenderness in the lymph nodes

How Are Allergy and Immunology Diseases Diagnosed?

In the diagnosis process of allergy and immunology diseases, the patient’s history is first taken by a specialist doctor, and it is investigated whether there is a hereditary immune system disorder in close relatives. A physical examination is also performed by the doctor. In the physical examination, symptoms such as rashes or itching, difficulty breathing, and redness in the eyes are examined. Some of the tests used to diagnose allergy and immunology diseases include:

Allergy Tests

• Skin prick tests: It is one of the most commonly used allergy tests. In these tests, potential allergens are applied to the skin surface, and reactions are observed. Skin testing can confirm many common types of allergies. For the prick/scratch test, a small drop of the allergen is placed on the skin by the healthcare personnel. Then, your skin is lightly pricked or scratched with a needle through the drop. If there is sensitivity to the substance, redness, swelling, and itching occur at the test site within 15 minutes.
• Blood tests: Allergen blood tests can be used if you have a skin condition or are taking medication that interferes with skin testing. It can also be preferred for children who cannot tolerate skin testing. Blood tests can be used to detect specific antibodies that cause allergies.
• Elimination diets: For food allergies, these are tests performed by eliminating certain foods from the diet and monitoring the symptoms.
• Respiratory tests: Pulmonary function tests can be performed to diagnose respiratory diseases such as asthma. Tests such as spirometry, bronchodilator response test, and methacholine challenge test can be used.
• Skin biopsy: In some cases, a skin biopsy may be required to diagnose eczema or other skin diseases. This test involves taking a small tissue sample from the skin, which is then sent to the laboratory and examined under a microscope.

Immunology Disease Tests

• Blood tests: Diagnosis of immunology diseases is usually made with blood tests. Blood tests are used to determine the presence of certain antibodies or autoantibodies in the patient’s blood. These blood tests may include antinuclear antibody (ANA) tests, autoantibody tests, and complete blood count with white blood cell differential tests.
• Tissue biopsy: In some cases, tissue sampling and examination under a microscope may be required. For example, a biopsy may be taken from the affected tissues in the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases.
• Genetic tests: Some immunology diseases occur due to genetic factors. Therefore, genetic tests can be performed to detect the presence of mutations in certain genes.

How Are Allergy and Immunology Diseases Treated?

Avoiding allergens is a commonly used important treatment approach. Medications prescribed by the doctor can also be used to manage your allergy. Allergy treatment may include:

• Medication: Antihistamines are used to relieve allergic symptoms such as itching, nasal congestion, sneezing, and watery eyes. Corticosteroids can be applied as nasal sprays, inhalers, or topical creams to reduce inflammation in conditions such as allergic asthma and eczema. In some cases, bronchodilators may be preferred to relieve symptoms caused by asthma. In addition, epinephrine may be necessary as emergency treatment for severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis.
• Avoiding allergens: For conditions such as food allergies or allergic rhinitis, it is important to avoid allergens that trigger symptoms. For example, measures can be taken to remove certain foods from the diet or keep allergens out of the home.
• Immunotherapy (Allergy shots): It is a treatment method used to increase the body’s resistance to specific allergens that cause allergic reactions. This treatment can help reduce allergy symptoms and provide long-term relief.

Common methods used in the treatment of immunology diseases may include:

• Medication: Immunosuppressive drugs are used to suppress the overactivity of the immune system. Corticosteroids can be preferred to reduce immunological inflammation. It can be particularly effective in controlling specific symptoms of autoimmune diseases. In some cases, bio-modulator drugs may be required. Immunoglobulins are also used in the treatment of immune deficiencies. They provide antibody supplementation to patients with immunoglobulin deficiency.
• Plasmapheresis: It is the process of removing and cleaning the plasma from the circulation. It can be used to remove excessive antibodies or other harmful substances, especially in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and immune deficiencies.
• Cellular therapies: It is used to regulate the immune system. For example, stem cell transplantation may be preferred in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

The allergy and immunology department is the medical department dealing with issues related to the body’s immune system. Allergy and the anaphylactic reaction resulting from allergy can develop suddenly and pose life-threatening risks. Patients with allergies or immune system disorders can start treatment by making an appointment with the allergy and immunology clinic of hospitals.