Allergies occur as a result of reactions to foreign substances in the human body. The science of immunology refers to disorders that target the body’s immune system. Asthma, drug and food allergies are among these diseases and affect people’s lives. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment methods should be developed. This will improve people’s quality of life.
A sub-discipline that deals with immunity and immune systems. It includes the clinical applications necessary for the diagnosis of allergic reactions, treatment planning, and treatment of diseases due to immune system failure.
Allergy is a condition caused by an overreaction of the immune system after contact with a foreign substance. While the reaction may be moderate, in some cases it can endanger a person’s life. The severity of allergy and the reaction to allergy vary from person to person. In severe reactions, urgent medical intervention may be needed, in such cases, the nearest health institution should be consulted without losing time.
What are Immunological Diseases?
Immunology and allergy, the necessary tests and examinations are carried out to detect the triggering substance for the prevention of reactions that have occurred in the person. The person’s complaints and history are listened to. Allergens are identified and treatment is performed.
The most common immunology and allergy diseases are as follows:
Allergic rhinitis:
It occurs as a result of inflammation of the nasal mucosa. It brings sinusitis, otitis media, upper respiratory tract infections, sleep disorders and nasal polyps. It can increase asthma, so treatment should be started sooner rather than later.
Allergic conjunctivitis:
A common condition that causes redness of the eyes. Moderate symptoms can be caused by allergens in the air. This causes severe inflammation involving the cornea.
Asthma:
A chronic respiratory condition that lasts a lifetime. It is associated with air congestion caused by the airways overreacting to substances. It is an allergic disease that can lead to death if not controlled. With the right treatment and follow-up method, it prevents it from negatively affecting the daily life of the person.
Eczema (atopic dermatitis):
It is characterized by redness and itching. It causes the function of the upper layer of the skin to be inhibited. The skin remains unprotected and affects the immune system.
Urticaria:
Causes blisters and red blisters on the skin. In moderate to severe cases, it should be taken under control by allergy specialists.
Food allergy:
It is one of the most common allergies worldwide. It occurs when a person consumes foods to which he/she is sensitive. Vomiting, diarrhea, asthma attacks are among the symptoms. Foods that cause allergy are identified and removed from the diet.
Drug allergy:
It develops as a result of unpredictable sensitivity. Generally, penicillin, cephalosporin, sulfonamide, aspirin and various painkillers cause allergic reactions. Symptoms vary from drug to drug.
Insect allergy It can cause local or systemic reactions. Symptoms such as redness at the site of the bite, urticaria, low blood pressure may occur. Emergency intervention is important.
Anaphylaxis:
It is an immune response that develops with medication, food intake, insect bites and requires urgent intervention. How the allergy occurs, the severity of the reactions, and the duration of emergence are important.
What are Immunologic Tests?
It is important for the person to stay away from allergenic substances. For this, they need to know what they are allergic to and which substances cause allergies. The conditions that cause allergies are determined with the necessary tests and with the help of a doctor. The tests that can be performed are as follows:
- Skin tests; prick test, intradermal test, patch test
- Searching for specific IgE in blood
- Reversibility test
- Bronchial Provocation test
- Drug/nutrient loading tests