Allergies

If a type I allergy is suspected, we first perform a skin prick test using standardised test allergens. From this we can detect IgE antibodies against certain allergens and determine the general allergy with a high degree of accuracy. Provocation tests are an important part of the diagnosis and allow us to administer the test allergens as nasal sprays or eye drops. However, we can only perform these tests if the type of sensitisation is suspected. Random provocations, in the case of suspected insect venom allergies or food allergies must be carried out in the clinic under supervision in the event of emergencies. Type IV contact allergies are determined with an epicutaneous patch test: test patches are attached to the back and tested after 48 or 72 hours.

In contrast to an allergy, the symptoms of intolerance and intolerance are dose-dependent and there is no prior sensitization (i.e. no immune system reaction).

Studies show that children who have been breastfed for up to four months are less likely to suffer from allergies.

We can usually reliably reduce the symptoms of hay fever. We recommend treatment with antihistamine tablets and nasal sprays with locally effective cortisone and antihistamine mixtures as well as with eye drops containing antihistamines. If the symptoms persist, desensitisation should be considered to avoid the spreading of the symptoms from the upper to the lower respiratory tract.

All duvets and pillows should be provided with an appropriate protective cover. To reduce the occurrence of house-dust mites, beds, mattresses, blankets and pillows could also be treated with a Mahalin-containing spray. This makes the skin cells on which the mites feed inedible. The following principle applies: wash bedding every three months at 60 degrees C (at least) or have them professionally cleaned. It also helps to keep your bedroom relatively cool (18 degrees C) and to avoid open dust catchers (shelves, carpets etc.).

In cases where the specific immunotherapy is desensitisation, we inject allergen extracts in increasing concentrations under the skin or under the tongue if a type I allergy has been diagnosed. This should achieve immunotolerance. The treatment usually takes place over a period of three years.

Intolerances are not allergies. In the case of hereditary or acquired histamine intolerance, the activity of the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO), which is responsible for histamine degradation, is disturbed. The body forms histamines under stress, and histamines are also a component of a wide variety of foods. One cause of this degradation disorder could be an inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, since the enzyme is formed by the cells lining the intestinal tract (enterocytes).

Histamine intolerance increases the histamine concentration in the blood serum, which leads to the following symptoms: diarrhoea, stomach pain, wind, ‘red wine intolerance’, headaches, joint pain, menstrual pain, itching, hives, swelling of the lips, hands and feet (angioedema) and neurodermatitis.