ALLERGOLOGY and CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY at J|medical

In the presence of symptoms that can be linked to an allergic reaction or an alteration of the immune system, it is appropriate to undergo an allergological or immunological visit.

What are the symptoms to pay attention to? The symptoms can be various, such as rhinitis, conjunctivitis, eczema, asthma, urticaria. But also recurrent infections or symptoms related to specific organs.

What does allergology deal with? Allergology is the branch of medicine that deals with allergic manifestations affecting various organs and systems (such as rhinitis, conjunctivitis of allergic nature as well as some forms of bronchial asthma, dermatitis, or gastrointestinal inflammation). Even though traditionally some of these problems are followed by the specialist doctor of the reference system, they can be evaluated by the allergist specialist to have a specific diagnosis (more focused on the immunological aspect) and a dedicated therapeutic regimen.

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• Allergological visit. It is useful to diagnose, evaluate, or monitor a disorder of an allergological nature that causes marked sensitivity in the patient towards certain substances. It presents as a manifestation of an excessive reaction of the immune system towards normally harmless substances which (in the case of an allergic person), the body qualifies as “foreign” or, in medical language, “allergens”. After the first contact with allergens, the immune system produces specific antibodies (sensitization), which trigger an immune response accompanied by repeated and close symptoms. This condition, over time, can become chronic. Early adoption of preventive measures, thanks to an allergological visit, is necessary to avoid and reduce allergic reactions; to stop the pathological development and chronicity of allergies.

• PATCH test. Within the allergological visit session, a series of evaluative tests are performed, including the PATCH test, used to identify substances that can cause allergic reactions. The exam consists of applying small amounts of common allergens to the skin via adhesive patches, usually on the back. After a period of exposure, the doctor evaluates any skin reactions, such as erythema, itching, or swelling, which indicate an allergic sensitivity to a particular substance. This test helps determine the causes of allergic skin reactions (such as contact dermatitis) and consequently develop an adequate management plan to prevent further reactions. PRICK test. Among the allergological evaluation tests, there is also the PRICK test, in which the organism’s allergic reaction is stimulated by applying possible allergens to the surface of the skin (usually on the arm or back), which are then made to penetrate the skin with a slight incision or puncture. In this case too, if the patient is allergic to one of the tested allergens, a local skin reaction will occur, such as redness, swelling, or itching. This test is mainly used to identify allergies to foods, pollens, animal dander, and other triggering substances.