Allergy / Immunology (Adult)

The Department of Immunology and Allergy is a medical specialty that deals with the immune system and allergic diseases. This department diagnoses and treats immune system disorders and allergic reactions by examining the body's defense mechanisms. Diseases treated in the Department of Immunology and Allergy include allergic rhinitis, asthma, food allergies, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, anaphylaxis, autoimmune diseases and immune deficiency disorders.

About the Department of Immunology and Allergy

The Department of Immunology and Allergy is a medical specialty that deals with the immune system and allergic reactions. This department examines the body's defense mechanisms and provides diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Diseases and various allergic conditions that occur when the immune system deviates from normal are covered in this department.

Who is an Immunology and Allergy Specialist and What Are Their Duties?

An immunologist and allergist is a doctor who specializes in immune system and allergic diseases. Their duties include diagnosing immune system disorders and allergic diseases, creating treatment plans, improving patients' quality of life, and advising on disease prevention. In addition, these specialists identify diseases using various diagnostic methods such as immunological tests and allergy tests.

What Diseases Are Covered by Immunology and Allergy?

The Department of Immunology and Allergy deals with a variety of immune system disorders and allergic diseases. These diseases may include:

1. Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)

It is a disease caused by inflammation of the nasal mucosa in response to allergens such as pollen, dust mites or animal hair. Symptoms include runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing and itchy eyes. It can be seasonal or year-round and can seriously affect quality of life.

2. Asthma

Asthma is a disease characterized by chronic inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This causes symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness and cough. Asthma is often triggered by triggers such as allergens, exercise, cold weather or infections and can lead to serious health problems if left uncontrolled.

3. Food Allergies

It occurs when your immune system overreacts to certain foods. Symptoms can range from mild itching to swelling of the tongue and throat, nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, food allergies can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

4. Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

It is a chronic inflammatory skin disease and usually begins in infancy or childhood. It manifests itself with itching, redness, dry and flaky skin. Atopic dermatitis can be exacerbated by various factors such as contact with allergens, stress or weather changes and can make daily life difficult.

5. Urticaria (Hives)

It is characterized by itchy, raised, red rashes that appear suddenly on the skin. Urticaria can usually last from a few hours to a few days and can be triggered by a variety of factors, including allergens, infections, medications, or stress. In chronic cases, symptoms can persist for weeks or months.

6. Anaphylaxis

It is a serious, life-threatening reaction that occurs when the body overreacts to certain allergens. Symptoms include shortness of breath, swelling of the throat, rapid pulse, low blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention, and an injection of epinephrine is usually the first choice of treatment.

7. Autoimmune Diseases

They are diseases in which the immune system mistakenly attacks its own body tissues. For example, lupus can affect the joints, skin, and other organs, while rheumatoid arthritis causes chronic inflammation in the joints. Autoimmune diseases often require long-term treatment and management

8. Immunodeficiency Disorders

These are conditions that cause the body to become vulnerable to infections as a result of the immune system not functioning adequately. These disorders may be congenital (primary immunodeficiencies) or acquired later in life. Patients may face frequent and serious infections and usually need treatments to support the immune system.

9. Rare Genetic Diseases

It includes immune system disorders of genetic origin. For example, primary immunodeficiencies such as X-linked agammaglobulinemia cause certain components of the immune system to be missing or dysfunctional. These diseases usually appear in childhood and require lifelong treatment.

What are Immunology and Allergy Examinations?

Immunology and Allergy exams include a medical history, physical exam, and laboratory tests. Commonly used tests include skin prick tests, blood tests (especially specific IgE tests), spirometry (breathing tests), and patch tests. These tests help determine the cause of allergic reactions and the presence of immune system disorders.

What Methods Are Used in the Treatment of Immunology and Allergy Diseases?

Immunology and Allergy treatments use a variety of methods. These include allergy medications (antihistamines, corticosteroids), immunotherapy (allergy vaccines), biologic agents, and lifestyle changes (e.g., avoiding allergens). The treatment plan is determined by the patient's specific condition and severity of symptoms.

When Should You Go to the Immunology and Allergy Department?

The Immunology and Allergy Department should be consulted in cases of recurrent allergic reactions, chronic respiratory problems, skin rashes, suspected immune system problems, or symptoms of autoimmune diseases. It is important to consult a specialist, especially if symptoms are affecting daily life and do not respond to other treatments.

What is Done During an Immunology and Allergy Examination?

During the Immunology and Allergy examination, the doctor will review the patient's medical history in detail and perform a physical examination. Then, specific allergy or immune system tests are performed. These tests are used to determine the cause of allergies and to detect immune system dysfunctions. Based on the test results, the doctor determines the appropriate treatment plan and provides the necessary information to the patient.

The Department of Immunology and Allergy is an important medical field managed by physicians who specialize in immune system and allergic diseases, aiming to improve the quality of life of patients. It is possible to minimize the effects of these diseases with early diagnosis and correct treatment.