Allergology

Allergology is the branch of medical science that studies the causes and treatment of allergies.

File:Allergy Testing.jpg Skin testing for allergies
System	Immune system
Significant diseases	Allergies, Asthma
Significant tests	Allergy testing, Spirometry
Specialist	Allergist/Immunologist

Allergology is the medical specialty focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of allergic and related diseases.

Overview

Allergology, also known as allergy and clinical immunology, is dedicated to understanding the immune responses that result in allergic reactions and diseases. Allergists typically diagnose and treat conditions such as asthma, hay fever, food allergies, atopic dermatitis, and anaphylaxis. They are also skilled in recognizing and treating related immunological diseases.

History

The study of allergies began in the early 20th century. Clemens von Pirquet, in 1906, was the first to describe the concept of allergy, introducing the term to describe altered biological reactivity.

Evolution

Over the years, with advances in immunology, the field expanded to include a more in-depth understanding of the immune system's role in allergic diseases and led to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.

Conditions Treated

• Asthma - A chronic condition that affects the airways in the lungs.
• Hay fever (Allergic Rhinitis) - An allergic response to outdoor or indoor allergens.
• Food allergies - An adverse reaction to the ingestion of specific foods.
• Atopic dermatitis (Eczema) - A chronic skin condition.
• Hives (Urticaria) - A skin reaction caused by allergens, stress, or other factors.
• Anaphylaxis - A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
• And many more...

Diagnostic Methods

• Skin Tests - To identify allergens causing skin reactions.
• Blood Tests - To measure the amount of specific antibodies produced in response to allergens.
• Spirometry - To assess lung function and diagnose asthma.
• Challenge Tests - For food and medication allergies.
• Patch Tests - For contact dermatitis.

Treatments

• Avoidance - Refraining from exposure to allergens.
• Medication - Antihistamines, corticosteroids, decongestants, etc.
• Allergen Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots) - A long-term treatment that reduces sensitivity to allergens.
• Biologic Therapies - Target specific immune responses related to allergies.

Training and Certification

To become an allergist, a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) typically undergoes a three-year residency program after medical school, followed by two to three years of fellowship training specifically in allergology.

Professional Organizations

• The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)
• The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI)

See also

• Immunology
• Rheumatology
• Pediatrics
• Glossary of allergology

Resources

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