Institute of Allergology

Allergies affect more than 50 million people annually. Inhaled allergens are the most common type. Approximately 40 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. Allergies cause the death of 250,000 people annually (according to the World Allergy Organization). The mechanism of allergy is based on genetic predisposition and environmental factors.

Allergic diseases such as rhinitis, asthma, and eczema are often familial conditions. Environmental allergens (proteins, glycoproteins) initiate an immune system reaction mechanism involving cellular-humoral components (macrophages, mast cells, T-cells, B-cells, interleukins, immunoglobulin E, histamine, prostaglandins, leukotrienes). Mast cells are found in the mucosa of the conjunctiva, nose, airways, gastrointestinal tract, and skin.

Mediators (histamine, prostaglandins, leukotrienes released by mast cells and basophils) cause the allergy symptom complex involving the respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, skin, and conjunctiva. Required measures: A team of physicians consisting of an allergologist, internist, and otolaryngologist. Skin tests, which remain the best today with the lowest number of false-positive and false-negative results. The skin prick test is more specific than the intradermal test, while the intradermal test is generally more sensitive.

Indications for skin testing:

• sensitivity to inhaled substances;
• allergic rhinitis;
• asthma;
• food allergy;
• atopic dermatitis;
• urticaria;
• drug allergy;
• local reaction to anesthetics;
• anaphylaxis from insect stings.