Allergy specialists and information about allergies

Allergies are widespread and can be of very different types. For example, there are allergies to pollen, certain foods, insect bites or even sunlight. The symptoms range from mild discomfort to life-threatening reactions. A precise diagnosis is therefore essential for targeted treatment.

Here you will find further information as well as selected allergy specialists and centers.

Allergies are when certain symptoms occur due to an immune reaction of the body. Inhalation of allergens or skin contact can activate the immune system in the case of an allergy.

Some allergies - for example food allergies - only become apparent after eating a certain food. Even if harmless insect bites lead to large swellings or severe itching, this is called an allergy.

What happens in the body with allergies?

A pollen allergy is a good example to illustrate this: With a pollen allergy, the mucous membranes of an allergy sufferer come into contact with allergens - the pollen flying around.

The person's body defends itself against these allergens, which are usually completely harmless proteins. However, the immune system interprets them as intruders that need to be fought off. This results in the release of histamine. This histamine in turn causes certain reactions to occur, such as reddening of the skin or itching.

What allergies are there?

There are a number of allergies that can affect the quality of life of those affected and lead to unpleasant symptoms. These include

• Pollen allergies
• Food allergies (e.g. to dairy products or fish)
• Insect venom allergies
• Other allergies (e.g. to sunlight, animal hair and birds)

Pollen allergy

With pollen allergies, the body reacts allergically to certain grass, herb or tree pollen. Depending on the time of year, different pollen flies around, so that allergy sufferers fall ill at different times. However, as many pollens fly for a very long time, those affected often have the problem of suffering the consequences for a large part of the year.

The areas of the body affected are the eyes, nose, throat and pharynx. In the eye area, there is often severe itching, intense burning or redness. The nose can also itch and either produce more mucus or become blocked. The throat may scratch and coughing may occur.

In more extreme cases, asthma-like symptoms may occur, which must be treated with medication.

Food allergy

Food allergy is another form that can severely affect patients. Some people are allergic to certain types of fruit or vegetables. Allergies to fish are particularly widespread in coastal regions. Allergies to spices or dairy products can also occur.

The symptoms usually appear immediately after or shortly after eating the food in question. Redness, swelling or itching may occur in the mouth and throat. The face can also be affected by swelling, for example Quincke's oedema.

Even if the symptoms are harmless in the majority of cases, particular caution is required in the case of a food allergy: Severe allergies can even lead to asthma attacks and even circulatory failure(anaphylactic shock).

Doctors can use prick tests to find out which substances a patient is allergic to © Alexander Raths | AdobeStock

Insect venom allergies

Allergy sufferers react more severely to the venom injected during an insect bite. In addition to severe pain and swelling, more serious consequences such as shortness of breath or circulatory collapse can occur. In such cases, those affected or accompanying persons should call an emergency doctor immediately.

This applies all the more if the allergy sufferer has been stung in the mouth or throat.

Other allergies

In the case of a sun allergy, those affected react to excessive sun exposure with itchy pustules or pimples. Allergies to animal hair or birds also occur more frequently.

How are allergies treated?

Depending on the allergy, two different treatment methods are available. However, there is still no proven method for food allergies. The only thing that helps here is to avoid the triggering food.

Hyposensitization

Hyposensitization has proven particularly effective for people with pollen allergies and allergies to insect venoms. The immune system is gradually accustomed to the allergen through the controlled introduction of the allergen.

Theaim is to at least attenuate the allergic reactions or even make them disappear completely. This type of therapy usually takes several years. In the case of insect venom allergy, however, there is also a fast-track procedure, which is usually carried out on an inpatient basis.

Medication

A distinction must be made here between medications that alleviate the symptoms locally and those that block histamine. Locally

• Eye drops,
• nasal drops or
• nasal sprays

can help. Antihistamines have proven to be effective if several areas are affected. The medication also includes an emergency kit, which usually contains a spray containing cortisone and adrenaline.