Also known as the Allergy Department or the Department of Allergy and Immunology, it is a medical specialty dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases and immune system-related disorders.

"Allergology" is a medical term derived from the early translation of the English word "allergy". Here, the term connotes an abnormal or altered immune response and does not carry the derogatory meaning it has in everyday language. Thus, the Department of Allergology is the professional name for the specialty focused on allergic reactions.

? Primary Scope of Diagnosis and Treatment

This department mainly treats diseases caused by an overreaction of the immune system to certain external substances (allergens). Common conditions include:

1. Respiratory Allergies

• Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): Sneezing, clear nasal discharge, nasal congestion, and itchy nose, often worsening in spring and autumn.: Sneezing, clear nasal discharge, nasal congestion, and itchy nose, often worsening in spring and autumn.

• Allergic Asthma: Cough, wheezing, chest tightness, and dyspnea, usually triggered by dust mites, pollen, pet dander, etc.

• Allergic Conjunctivitis: Red, itchy, and tearing eyes, often coexisting with allergic rhinitis.

2. Cutaneous Allergies

• Urticaria (Hives): Sudden onset of itchy, red wheals on the skin, which may recur.

• Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): A chronic inflammatory skin condition, most common in children, characterized by dry, itchy, and erythematous skin.

• Contact Dermatitis: Redness and blistering of the skin following contact with metals, cosmetics, hair dyes, etc.

3. Food Allergies

• Itchy skin, vomiting, and diarrhea after consuming certain foods (e.g., milk, eggs, peanuts, seafood), which can lead to anaphylaxis in severe cases.

4. Drug Allergies

• Rash, dyspnea, shock, and other reactions after taking certain medications (e.g., penicillin, aspirin).

5. Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis)

• The most life-threatening allergic reaction, which can rapidly cause hypotension, dyspnea, and loss of consciousness, requiring emergency resuscitation.

6. Immune Function Abnormalities

• Recurrent infections, immunodeficiency diseases, and autoimmune diseases are also within the research scope of some physicians in this department.

Common Examination Methods

1. Skin Prick Test: A small amount of allergen is dropped onto the skin and gently pricked; the development of redness and swelling is observed to quickly identify the allergen.

2. Blood Test (Specific IgE): Measures the level of antibodies against specific allergens via blood sampling.

3. Patch Test: Used to detect the sensitizing substances causing contact dermatitis.

4. Pulmonary Function Test: Evaluates respiratory function in patients with asthma.

5. Nasal/Bronchial Provocation Test: Induces an allergic reaction under close monitoring for definitive diagnosis.

? Primary Treatment Methods

1. Allergen Avoidance: The most fundamental preventive measure, such as dust mite prevention, pollen avoidance, and elimination of allergenic foods from the diet.

2. Pharmacotherapy:

• Antihistamines (e.g., loratadine, cetirizine)

• Intranasal corticosteroid sprays (e.g., mometasone furoate)

• Inhaled corticosteroids (for asthma)

• Epinephrine (for emergency treatment of anaphylaxis)

3. Immunotherapy (Desensitization Therapy):

• By exposing the immune system to small, repeated doses of allergens (e.g., dust mites, pollen) over a long period, the immune system gradually becomes desensitized, reducing or even eliminating allergic reactions.

• It is administered via two routes: subcutaneous injection and sublingual immunotherapy, with a typical course of 3 to 5 years.

4. Biologics: A novel therapy for refractory allergic diseases such as severe asthma and chronic urticaria.

? When to Consult the Department of Allergology?

Seek medical attention promptly if you or a family member experience the following:

• Persistent nasal congestion, sneezing, and clear nasal discharge, suspected to be allergic rhinitis

• Recurrent cough and wheezing, suspected to be asthma

• Recurrent skin rashes and itching with an unclear diagnosis

• Allergic reactions after eating certain foods or taking medications

• A need to identify allergens for scientific prevention or desensitization therapy

Fun Fact

• Approximately 20%-30% of the global population suffers from allergic diseases, with the incidence rising year by year.

• In northern China, pollen allergies from cypress, poplar, and birch trees in spring, and weed pollen (e.g., artemisia) in summer and autumn, are common triggers.

• Factors such as urbanization, environmental pollution, and excessive hygiene (the "hygiene hypothesis") may be associated with the increase in allergic diseases.