Allergology and Clinical Immunology

At Ars Medica, our Allergy Service focuses on evaluating, diagnosing, and managing allergies through personalized care.

Allergies are abnormal immune responses in individuals with a predisposition to certain substances, known as allergens. These allergens, which are typically harmless to most people, trigger an abnormal inflammatory response in susceptible individuals. Common allergens include airborne substances like pollen, dust mites, molds, and animal dander, as well as foods, medications, metals, and contact chemicals.

Our specialists work to identify and manage allergy symptoms through a thorough and individualized approach. Diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history, gathering information about the patient’s clinical background and allergy symptoms. During the visit, specific tests may be performed if needed, such as:

Skin Prick Test: A small amount of allergen is applied to the skin, and a tiny prick is made to observe the skin’s reaction, indicating the presence of specific antibodies (IgE) for the tested allergens.

The allergist will then recommend specific tests to determine the responsible allergen. Identifying the allergen helps in correlating it with the reported symptoms, allowing the allergist to employ targeted desensitization therapies, such as symptomatic treatments for rhinitis, conjunctivitis, dermatitis, and urticaria.

Allergic conditions can significantly impact quality of life, making accurate diagnosis and effective treatment crucial.

At Ars Medica, you can access:

• Immediate allergy tests (Skin Prick Test and Prick-by-Prick) for foods, inhalants, and medications
• Tolerance tests for local anesthetics (dental anesthesia)
• Delayed contact allergy tests (Patch Test)
• Nasal cytology (for studying allergic and non-allergic rhinitis)
• Respiratory function tests (spirometry, including bronchodilation tests, and oxygen saturation)
• ITDS (Specific Desensitization Immunotherapy), also known as “allergy vaccine,” available in SLIT (sublingual drops and tablets) or subcutaneous injection forms.