Allergy and Immunology

Allergy and immunology is the medical department concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders originating from the body's immune system. The allergic diseases unit generally focuses on the treatment of allergies and asthma, while the immunology unit is mainly involved in treating immune disorders and in medical research on the immune system.

What Is Allergy and Immunology?

Allergy and immunology is the branch of medicine that studies diseases caused by the body's immune system. Immune system disorders range from very common to very rare conditions. The specialty also covers patient follow-up at all ages and involves various organ systems. An 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 a wide range of health problems such as asthma, hay fever, eczema, food allergies, autoimmune diseases and immune deficiencies.

What Are Allergic and Immunological Diseases?

Allergy and immunology is a field of medicine that studies the allergic diseases and immune system conditions affecting people. 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 medications, foods, vaccines and more. Some of the allergic and immunological diseases are:

• Allergic rhinitis (Hay fever): Allergic rhinitis develops as a result of contact with environmental allergens. It presents with symptoms such as itching, redness, watering and sometimes swelling of the eyelids. Symptoms may appear on exposure to various allergens such as pollen, dust mites and mold spores.

• Allergic asthma: Allergic asthma, characterized by symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing caused by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, occurs on exposure to allergens.

• Food allergies: Food allergies are a condition that occurs when your body overreacts to proteins in certain foods; this response is called an allergic reaction. These allergies can be to 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 most often occurs after eating certain foods or being stung by an insect. 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 presents with patches on the skin. It is a common, non-contagious disease. Eczema symptoms may worsen on contact with an irritant or allergen. Symptoms usually include redness, itching and blisters on the skin.

• Autoimmune diseases: Autoimmune diseases are disorders in which the immune system targets the body's own tissues.

• Immune deficiencies: Immune deficiencies are disorders in which the immune system cannot perform its normal functions. These disorders may be congenital or acquired later in life.

What Are the Symptoms of Allergic and Immunological Diseases?

Some of the symptoms of allergic and immunological diseases are:

Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)

• Runny nose

• Nasal congestion

• Sneezing

• Itchy nose and throat

• Itchy, watery eyes

Allergic Asthma

• Shortness of breath

• Wheezing

• Cough (may worsen especially at night or early in the morning)

• Chest tightness or pain

Food Allergies

• Skin rash or redness

• Itching or burning sensation

• Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat

• Abdominal pain, vomiting or diarrhea

• Difficulty breathing or wheezing

Anaphylaxis

• Shortness of breath

• Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat

• Skin redness or rash

• Rapid heartbeat

• Dizziness or fainting

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema):

• Dry, itchy skin

• Redness and inflammation

• Blisters or weeping 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 muscle pain

• Skin rashes or changes

Immune Deficiencies

• Frequently recurring infections, especially bacterial or fungal infections

• Chronic fatigue and weakness

• Recurrent ulcers in the mouth and throat

• Weight loss

• Swelling or tenderness of the lymph nodes

How Are Allergic and Immunological Diseases Diagnosed?

In the diagnosis of allergic and immunological diseases, the specialist first takes the patient's medical history and investigates whether close relatives have a hereditary immune system disorder. The doctor also performs a physical examination, checking for signs such as skin rashes or itching, breathing difficulties and redness of the eyes. Some of the tests used to diagnose allergic and immunological diseases include:

Allergy Tests

• Skin prick tests: These are among the most commonly used allergy tests. In these tests, potential allergens are applied to the surface of the skin and reactions are observed. Skin testing can confirm many common types of allergy. For the prick/scratch test, a healthcare professional places a small drop of the allergen on the skin. The skin is then gently pricked or scratched with a needle through the drop. If you are sensitive to the substance, redness, swelling and itching appear at the test site within 15 minutes.

• Blood tests: Allergen blood tests may be used if you have a skin condition or are taking a medication that interferes with skin testing. They may 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 tests involve removing certain foods from the diet and monitoring the symptoms.

• Respiratory tests: Pulmonary function tests may be performed to diagnose respiratory diseases such as asthma. Tests such as spirometry, the bronchodilator response test and the methacholine challenge test may be used.

• Skin biopsy: In some cases, a skin biopsy may be needed to diagnose eczema or other skin diseases. In this test, a small tissue sample is taken from the skin, sent to the laboratory and examined under a microscope.

Tests for Immunological Diseases

• Blood tests: Immunological diseases are usually diagnosed with blood tests. Blood tests are used to determine the presence of specific antibodies or autoantibodies in the patient's blood. These blood tests may include antinuclear antibody (ANA) tests, autoantibody tests and a complete blood count with white blood cell differential.

• Tissue biopsy: In some cases, a tissue sample may need to be taken and examined under a microscope. For example, a biopsy of the affected tissues may be taken to diagnose autoimmune diseases.

• Genetic tests: Some immunological diseases develop due to genetic factors. Therefore, genetic tests may be performed to detect mutations in certain genes.

How Are Allergic and Immunological Diseases Treated?

Avoiding allergens is the most common and important treatment approach. Medications prescribed by your 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. In conditions such as allergic asthma and eczema, corticosteroids may be applied as nasal sprays, inhalers or topical creams to reduce inflammation. In some cases, bronchodilators may be preferred to relieve symptoms caused by asthma. In addition, epinephrine may be required as emergency treatment in severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis.

• Allergen avoidance: In conditions such as food allergies or allergic rhinitis, it is important to avoid the allergens that trigger symptoms. For example, measures such as removing certain foods from the diet or keeping allergens out of the home can be taken.

• Immunotherapy (Allergy shots): This is a treatment method used to increase the body's tolerance to the 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 immunological diseases may include:

• Medication: Immunosuppressive drugs are used to suppress excessive activity of the immune system. Corticosteroids may be preferred to reduce immunological inflammation and can be particularly effective in controlling certain symptoms of autoimmune diseases. In some cases, biomodulator drugs may be needed. In addition, immunoglobulins are used in the treatment of immune deficiencies, providing antibody replacement for patients with immunoglobulin deficiency.

• Plasmapheresis: This is the process of removing plasma from the circulation and cleansing it. It can be used to eliminate excess antibodies or other harmful substances, especially in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and immune deficiencies.

• Cellular therapies: These can be used to regulate the immune system. For example, stem cell transplantation may be preferred in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does Eye Allergy Occur?

Eye allergy is a condition with symptoms such as itching, redness and watering that appear when the eye area comes into contact with an irritant. It can develop due to an immune system response on contact with allergens such as pollen, dust, pet dander or mold spores.

How Does Skin Allergy Occur?

Skin allergy occurs as a result of the body's overreaction to a substance it comes into contact with. These contact allergens are usually cosmetic products, cleaning agents, plants or foods.

Which Department Performs Allergy Tests?

Allergy tests are usually performed in the dermatology and pulmonology departments. These tests are generally performed and interpreted by allergy and immunology specialists.

Which Organ Causes Allergy?

Allergy originates from the body's immune system and occurs as a result of excessive or inappropriate responses by the immune system.

How Can I Find Out What I Am Allergic To?

To determine what you are allergic to, you can have allergy tests under the supervision of a specialist. These tests can be performed on the skin or by means of blood tests.

Can Allergy Damage Internal Organs?

Allergy usually causes symptoms in outer organs such as the skin, respiratory tract and digestive system on exposure to environmental allergens. However, in severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis, it can also damage internal organs.

The allergy and immunology department is the medical department that deals with problems related to the body's immune system. Allergy and the anaphylactic reaction it may cause are conditions that can develop suddenly and pose life-threatening risks. Patients with allergies or immune system disorders can start treatment by making an appointment at the allergy and immunology outpatient clinic of a hospital.

Our allergy and immunology department serves adult patients. The services provided in our department include:

• Asthma

• Allergic rhinitis / allergic sinusitis

• Allergic conjunctivitis (eye allergy)

• Immune deficiencies

• Drug allergies

• Food allergies

• Insect allergies

• Chronic cough

• Eczema

• Urticaria / hives

Which procedures are performed in the allergy and immunology clinic?

All of the procedures listed below, required for the diagnosis and treatment of allergic and immunological diseases, are performed within our department. All procedures and applications are carried out under the supervision of a physician.

• Allergy skin tests (prick test, intradermal test and patch tests)

• Drug tests

• Food tests

• Pulmonary function tests

• Bronchial test

• Immunotherapy, diagnosis and treatment of immune deficiencies

• Immunoglobulin replacement therapies

• Drug desensitization