ALLERGOLOGY AND ASTHMA

We provide support in the case of over-sensitive reactions by the body, such as inflammation and defense to normally harmless substances of the environment. In this area the subarea of environmental medicine becomes more and more important. To grasp the modified immune response of the body in its full complexity, an interdisciplinary collaboration between our specialists in pediatrics and adolescent medicine is needed.

DISEASE PATTERNS

Further disease patterns and symptom complexes:

  • Breathlessness
  • Chest pain
  • Restricted physical capacity
  • Hay fever
  • Paranasal sinus and ear infections
  • Itching and skin rashes
  • Atopic eczema (neurodermatitis)
  • Diarrhea, vomiting
  • Stomach ache
  • Irregular stool
  • Conditions suffered after insect bites or after taking food stuffs or medicines

EXAMINATION METHODS

  • Detailed anamnesis (establishment of the medical history)
  • Detailed physical examination
  • Blood analysis
  • Skin tests (epicutaneous patch test or prick test)
  • Provocation test (ambulatory or as an inpatient)
  • Pulmonary function test using body plethysmography
  • Provocation using a treadmill
  • Provocation by inhaling irritants
  • Measurement of oxygen concentration
  • Measurement of expiratory nitrogen
  • Sonography of the paranasal sinus
  • Endoscopy of the nose
  • Perspiration tests
  • X-rays

THERAPEUTIC OPTIONS

An important form of therapy for allergic diseases is allergen avoidance. In connection with this we for example offer anti-allergen pillow covers, which provide a welcome aid for those suffering from dust mite allergies.

During the medication treatment we are aware of the subtle interactions between all the organs involved. We directly cooperate with pediatric allergologists and ear, nose and throat specialists. The treatment ranges from antihistamines (drops, juice, tablets) and leukotriene antagonist (montelukast) to locally applied sprays, drops and creams for the eyes, nose, lungs and skin.

The preventive aspect is supported not only by medication therapy but also by (sublingual) or subcutaneous immune therapy SCIT, the so-called hyposensitization treatment.

Specific immune therapy involves giving the patient the relevant allergen in easily tolerated doses. During the treatment, which should be applied several years, a slow process of accustomization takes place, which helps the patient to increase tolerance towards the allergen – this can lead to a successful cure. Normally SCIT is introduced ambulatory, it can also be introduced semi-residential or when being an inpatient, this for example is done when special medical risks might occur or to achieve very fast effect.