Allergic diseases have been known for many centuries. Allergies are hypersensitive reactions to normally harmless substances such as pollen, insect venom, animal hair and many others. In recent decades, our understanding of the development of allergic reactions has increased significantly due to the rapid development of molecular and cell biology. Classic representatives of allergic diseases are pollen and insect venom allergies, food intolerance and allergic contact dermatitis, which can be caused by a variety of rare but also widespread allergens. In addition to the allergic reactions mentioned above, the so-called intolerance reaction should also be mentioned, which is responsible for frequently occurring "pseudo-allergic reactions" in the form of painkiller intolerance or anaesthetic intolerance. Due to the different causes of allergies and pseudo-allergies, individual counselling and examinations are required for these diseases. The aim of the investigations is to identify the cause of the allergy. Specific treatment is then planned. For example, in the case of pollen allergies, in addition to eliminating the symptoms with tablets, eye and nose drops, the aim is also to treat the causes of the pollen allergy centrally. This can be achieved through specific, so-called specific immunotherapy with modern extracts. In the case of contact allergies, once the trigger has been identified, the focus is on intensive counselling on the spread of the intolerable substances in order to protect the patient.

The Allergology Department is certified and an important member of the European network of excellence ^GA2LEN(Global Allergy and Asthma European Excellence Networks)

Insect venom allergy is a life-threatening disease. Every year, several hundred people die as a result of an insect bite. As a rule, it is an allergy to wasp or bee venom. Allergic reactions to hornet stings are rarer. The signs of an insect venom allergy can include severe reddening of the entire skin, a rash like nettles all over the body, swelling of the face, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, circulatory collapse and unconsciousness. It is important to note that not all symptoms need to be present at the same time.
In addition to general information on how to avoid further stings, patients are provided with medication to treat themselves in an emergency. After instruction by the doctor, these medications are used in the event of another sting by the patient in order to stop an incipient allergic reaction until a doctor arrives or can be reached.
As the cause of the insect venom allergy is treated with either bee or wasp venom, allergological tests must first be carried out to determine the type of allergy in the blood and by testing the skin.
In order to restore tolerance to insect venom, patients are slowly reintroduced to the insect venom by injecting increasing amounts into the upper arms (specific hyposensitisation). As allergic reactions can occur during treatment, the therapy can only be initiated during a stay in hospital. After discharge, the patient receives an outpatient injection every 4 weeks for a total of 5 years.

The allergological examinations to determine a contact allergy include, in addition to the medical history and skin findings, the testing of common and suspected causes of allergic reactions. This examination is carried out on the patient's back. The results of the test are available after 5 days. On Mondays, the test substances are applied to the back with skin-friendly plasters, and the plasters are removed on Wednesdays. On Thursdays and Fridays, the test areas on the back must be checked in order to assess the course of the reaction.

A runny nose, sneezing attacks, red eyes and, in some cases, shortness of breath can indicate an allergic reaction to pollen, animal hair or house dust mites. Hay fever not only impairs well-being, but can also develop into allergic asthma after many years, which can initially manifest itself as shortness of breath and coughing. It is therefore important to recognise and treat this increasingly common condition in good time. In addition to blood and skin tests, provocations of the nasal mucosa can also be carried out in special cases. Depending on the type of allergy, different priorities are set in the consultation. If possible, the allergy triggers should be avoided. In the case of allergies to house dust mites and animal hair, patients can reduce contact with allergens in the household through their own initiative. Special covers for the duvet and pillow largely prevent an allergic reaction to mites caused by bed linen and mattresses during the night. In addition, there should be no carpeting in the bedroom, as many mites are present there.

Although millions of Germans take medication every day, allergic reactions are relatively rare. They are caused by a reaction of the immune system against a specific medication. Allergic reactions to several medications at the same time are the exception. It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between a side effect of a medication or an overdose and an allergic reaction. Side effects occur independently of previous sensitisation and manifest themselves, for example, in diarrhoea or tiredness. Common causes of drug allergies are antibiotics and painkillers.