Allergologie

Allergologie, or allergology, is the medical specialty focused on the study, diagnosis, and treatment of allergic diseases and other hypersensitivity reactions. It covers a broad range of conditions, including allergic rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, food allergies, drug allergies, and anaphylaxis, as well as stinging insect venom allergies and occupational allergies. The field integrates concepts from immunology, dermatology, pediatrics, internal medicine, otolaryngology, and related disciplines, and addresses both IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated mechanisms.

Diagnosis in allergology relies on a detailed patient history and physical examination, followed by targeted testing. Common diagnostic tools include skin prick testing and serum-specific IgE measurement, along with component-resolved diagnostics in some cases. Additional methods can involve oral food challenges, elimination diets, and various provocation tests for airway and skin symptoms. Lung function assessment and nasal or bronchial challenge tests may be used to evaluate disease impact and severity.

Management aims to reduce symptoms, prevent reactions, and improve quality of life. Approaches include trigger avoidance when feasible, and pharmacotherapy such as antihistamines, intranasal or inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene receptor antagonists, and bronchodilators. Emergency treatment, including access to epinephrine auto-injectors for anaphylaxis, is essential. Allergen immunotherapy, delivered by subcutaneous or sublingual routes, can modify disease progression in some cases. Biologic therapies targeting specific immune pathways are available for selected conditions such as severe asthma or chronic urticaria. Education, patient empowerment, and prevention strategies are integral components of care, along with ongoing research to refine diagnostics and therapies.