Managing allergies: advice and treatment at Elytis Hospital

Allergies are a common problem affecting large numbers of people, regardless of age. These overreactions of the immune system to harmless substances in the environment can cause symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe life-threatening reactions. At Elytis Hospitalour specialists in allergology and immunology provide accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment for a wide range of allergies, helping you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

What are allergies?

Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to a foreign substance called an allergen. These allergens can be pollen, dust, dust mites, molds, foods, medicines, insect stings, etc.

When an allergic person comes into contact with an allergen, the immune system releases histamine and other chemicals that cause symptoms such as sneezing, stuffy nose, itching, rash or shortness of breath.

Common types of allergies

There are many types of allergies, and the most common include:

• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
  • This is an inflammation of the lining of the nose triggered by allergens such as pollen.
  • Symptoms include sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, itching of the nose, eyes and throat.
  • The Elytis Hospitaldiagnosis is made by skin tests (prick test), in vitro tests (determination of specific IgE) and spirometry.
• Allergic conjunctivitis:
  • This is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (the membrane covering the eye) caused by allergens such as pollen, dust or animal dander.
  • Symptoms include red eyes, watering, itching and burning eyes.
• Allergic asthma:
  • It is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust, dust mites, animal dander or moulds.
  • Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness.
  • The Elytis Hospital, pulmonologists and allergists work together to provide an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan, which may include medication, specific immunotherapy and advice on avoiding triggers.
• Food allergy:
  • This is an adverse reaction of the immune system to certain foods, most commonly peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish.
  • Symptoms can range from mild(hives, itching) to severe(anaphylaxis - a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction).
  • The Elytis Hospitalour allergists perform skin tests, in vitro tests and challenge tests to identify food allergens and establish a personalized management plan.
• Atopic dermatitis (eczema):
  • This is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by itchy, dry, red, itchy rashes.
  • The exact causes are not fully known, but genetic and environmental factors are thought to play an important role.
  • The Elytis Hospitaldermatologists and allergists work together to provide an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment, which may include topical medications, phototherapy and skin care advice .
• Hives and angioedema:
  • Hives are red, itchy bumps on the skin, while angioedema is characterized by swelling of deep tissues, especially the face, lips, tongue and throat.
  • Both conditions can be triggered by allergens, medications, infections or physical factors (heat, cold, pressure).
• Insect venom allergy:
  • This is an allergic reaction to the stings of bees, wasps, ants or other insects. Symptoms can range from mild(pain, redness, localized swelling) to severe(anaphylaxis).
  • The Elytis Hospitalwe offer specific immunotherapy for insect venom allergy, which can significantly reduce the risk of severe reactions in the future.

Allergy diagnosis at Elytis Hospital

To diagnose allergies, our allergy and immunology specialists at Elytis Hospital use a comprehensive and personalized approach that includes:

• Detailed consultation and assessment: allergists will take a thorough history, analyzing symptoms, family history and lifestyle to identify triggers of allergic reactions.
• Comprehensive allergy testing: Elytis Hospital has a wide range of tests - skin (prick test, patch test), in vitro (specific IgE determination), spirometry and other advanced tests to identify allergens and understand the complex mechanisms of allergic diseases.

Allergy treatment at Elytis Hospital

Once the diagnosis is established, our doctors will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to each patient's needs. Treatment options may include:

• Depending on the type and severity of the allergy, our doctors may recommend antihistamines, nasal decongestants, corticosteroids, bronchodilators or other medications.
• Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy: This therapy consists of administering progressive doses of allergens in order to desensitize the immune system and reduce allergic reactions in the long term. Elytis Hospital offers specific immunotherapy for a wide range of allergens, including pollen, dust mites, molds and insect venom .
• Nutritional and environmental recommendations: our doctors will give you personalized advice on avoiding food allergens and environmental triggers, as well as recommendations on home hygiene measures.

Managing allergies in everyday life

In addition to medical treatment, there are a number of steps you can take to manage allergies and reduce their impact on your life:

• Identify and avoid allergens: Pay attention to the factors that trigger allergic reactions and try to avoid them as much as possible.
• Maintain rigorous hygiene: Clean your home regularly to reduce exposure to dust, dust mites and mold.
• Use hypoallergenic products: Opt for hypoallergenic cleaning products, cosmetics and laundry detergents specifically designed for people with allergies.
• Monitor pollen: In pollen season, watch the pollen newsletter and take precautionary measures such as closing windows and using an air purifier.
• Find out about food allergies: If you have a food allergy, read food labels carefully and ask about ingredients used in restaurants.
• Wear a medical alert bracelet: In the case of severe allergies, wear a medical alert bracelet containing information about your allergy and the treatment needed in case of emergency.
• Educate those around you too: Learn as much as you can about your allergy and inform your family, friends and colleagues about how to help you in case of an allergic reaction.

Elytis Hospital: Your partner in allergy management

The Elytis Hospital, the approach to allergies is an integrated, patient-oriented one, aimed not only at relieving symptoms, but also at long-term prevention and achieving a sustainable balance. Our team of allergy and immunology specialists offers you:

• Advanced expertise: our doctors are up to date with the latest studies and protocols in the field, ensuring fast and accurate diagnosis and tailored therapies for each patient.
• Modern technology and investigations: We have a wide range of tests - skin (prick, patch), in in vitro (specific IgE determination), spirometry and other advanced tests to identify allergens and understand the complex mechanisms of allergic and immunologic disorders.
• Personalized approach: every patient is unique, which is why our treatments are tailored to the patient's medical history, severity of symptoms and lifestyle, whether drug therapies, targeted immunotherapy or preventive measures.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration: To ensure a comprehensive approach, our allergists and immunologists collaborate with specialists in pulmonology, ENT, dermatology, gastroenterology or pediatricsso that patients benefit from integrated solutions.
• Prevention and education: you will receive detailed information on how to avoid exposure to allergens and how to manage allergic attacks, recommendations on home hygiene measures and advice on how to manage attacks and severe reactions.

Don't let allergies control your life!

Schedule a consultation at Elytis Hospital and benefit from state-of-the-art expertise and technology to effectively manage allergies and enjoy a healthy and active life!

Latest medical review:

22.01.2025, Dr. Marius Iordache – Medic Specialist Alergologie si Imunologie Clinica