Allergology treatment in Turkey | Prices & Best allergologist doctor 2024

Different types of allergies

An allergy is defined as the reaction of the human body in certain situations, where healthy people do not react. These reactions can be in the skin (dermatitis),lungs (asthma),eyes (conjunctivitis),and nose (rhinitis). The percentage of people affected by allergic pathologies is constantly increasing.

Thus, there are several types of allergies:

• Food allergy: these are clinical manifestations that appear following the ingestion of specific foods. This type of allergy can appear very early, that is to say in childhood or adults. It influences the daily life of the infected person.
• Dust mite allergy: characterized by a runny nose, red eyes, coughing, and difficulty in breathing.
• Cat Allergy: Cats are responsible for 2/3 of animal allergies. It is an allergic reaction caused by the allergens produced by cats. It mainly causes respiratory problems.
• Pollen allergy: also called "hay fever", it is sensitization to pollen, triggered by pollinated plants (by the wind or insects). It is characterized by attacks of sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes…
• Allergic rhinitis and asthma: This is a condition that attacks the airways. Individuals affected by this type of allergy are generally more sensitive than normal people. This allergy can be triggered by the flu, cigarette smoke, allergic reactions against animals, dust mites…

Symptoms requiring allergist consultation

The consultation of an allergist is necessary in case of :

• Presence of certain symptoms such as rashes, respiratory problems, etc.
• Allergy associated with sinusitis, nasal congestion, or chronic breathing difficulties in adulthood.
• Presence of the following symptoms in children: continuous runny nose, stuffy nose, itchy nose, watery and red eyes, repeated sneezing.
• Fever or other associated symptoms for several months a year.
• The ineffectiveness of prolonged intake of antihistamines.

Allergy test: which one to choose?

The first step in allergy treatment in Istanbul is to identify the trigger (e.g. pollen, cats, etc.) and try to eliminate it once and for all.

The allergological test used to treat the allergic disorder varies according to the clinical manifestations of the patient. The appropriate test depends on the body's reaction to the suspected offending substance, the route of exposure (contact, inhalation, etc.) and the nature of the allergen.

The type of test chosen aims to identify the causes of the allergic manifestations and define the most appropriate course of treatment.

To determine the nature of the allergy, two main tests are available at our top clinics in Istanbul, Turkey:

• Prick test: The allergist performs this test by lightly pricking the skin of the forearm with a lancet and applying a drop of allergen. If the test is positive, a small, itchy bump appears at the application site within a few minutes.
• Patch test: The doctor applies patches containing more than one substance suspected of causing sensitization to the skin, usually on the back. The test is read after 48 hours. The appearance of itching, redness or blistering indicates a positive result.

Allergy treatment options

Treatment of allergic diseases prescribed by an allergist in Istanbul, Turkey may include:

• An avoidance diet
• Medication
• Allergen immunotherapy (AIT)

Immunotherapy treatment (ITA)

Immunotherapy, or desensitization as it is known, is the most effective treatment for pollen allergy. It involves administering the allergen in increasing doses via subcutaneous injections or tablets.

The goal of this treatment is to habituate the body to the allergen. This creates an immune protection that reduces or prevents further allergic reactions. The success of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) can be judged by the reduction or disappearance of symptoms.

Medication treatments

In addition, allergists may use several other medications to treat allergy symptoms. The most common treatments include antihistamines, corticosteroids, leukotriene receptor antagonists, and mast cell stabilizers.

Antihistamines prevent the allergic reaction by blocking histamine receptors. This in turn prevents the blood vessels from dilating. The result is the treatment of certain allergy symptoms such as sneezing and itching.

Corticosteroids are hormones produced by the body. They are used to reduce asthma attacks and treat shortness of breath. Leukotriene antagonists suppress the effects of certain inflammatory mediators. They block the leukotrienes responsible for allergies, thus stopping runny noses and sneezing.