Dr. MUDoç. Dr. Mehmet Ünal

Allergic Diseases

What Are Allergic Diseases?

Allergic diseases are chronic health conditions that occur when the immune system overreacts to substances (allergens) that are normally harmless. These diseases not only affect the skin but also have significant impacts on the respiratory system, digestive system, and overall health. Allergic diseases can occur at any age, and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Our clinic employs modern and effective treatment methods for these conditions.

Types And Characteristics Of Allergic Diseases

Allergic diseases are categorized based on the affected organ system and the type of allergen:

Respiratory Allergies

  • Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): Runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion
  • Allergic Conjunctivitis: Itchy, red, watery eyes
  • Allergic Asthma: Shortness of breath, wheezing, cough
  • Sinusitis: Nasal congestion, headache, facial pain

Skin Allergies

  • Atopic Dermatitis: Chronic skin inflammation, itching, dryness
  • Contact Dermatitis: Skin reaction after contact
  • Urticaria (Hives): Sudden skin rashes, itching
  • Angioedema: Deep tissue swelling

Food Allergies

  • Milk Allergy: Reaction to cow's milk proteins
  • Egg Allergy: Allergy to egg white and yolk
  • Nut Allergy: Allergy to hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds
  • Seafood Allergy: Allergy to fish, shrimp, mussels
  • Gluten Allergy: Allergy to wheat, barley, rye

Drug Allergies

  • Antibiotic Allergy: Allergy to penicillin, cephalosporins
  • Painkiller Allergy: Allergy to aspirin, ibuprofen
  • Chemotherapy Allergy: Reaction to anticancer drugs
  • Anesthesia Allergy: Allergy to local and general anesthetics

Insect Allergies

  • Bee Allergy: Allergy to honeybees, wasps
  • Mosquito Allergy: Reaction to insect bites
  • Cockroach Allergy: Related to house dust mites

Causes Of Allergic Diseases

Allergic diseases can develop due to various factors:

Genetic Factors

  • Family history of allergic diseases
  • Atopic constitution
  • Immune system genes
  • HLA genotype

Environmental Factors

  • Air pollution
  • Climate changes
  • UV radiation
  • Industrial chemicals

Lifestyle Factors

  • Hygiene hypothesis
  • Dietary habits
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Smoking and alcohol consumption

Occupational Factors

  • Exposure to chemical substances
  • Dust and particulate exposure
  • Latex and plastic products
  • Biological agents

Symptoms Of Allergic Diseases

The symptoms of allergic diseases vary depending on the affected organ system:

Respiratory Symptoms

  • Nose: Runny, congested, sneezing, itching
  • Eyes: Redness, itching, watering, swelling
  • Throat: Itching, burning, hoarseness
  • Lungs: Shortness of breath, wheezing, cough

Skin Symptoms

  • Redness: From light pink to dark red
  • Itching: Varies from mild to severe
  • Rash: Hives, eczema, dermatitis
  • Swelling: Angioedema, facial swelling

Digestive System Symptoms

  • Stomach: Nausea, vomiting, pain
  • Intestines: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramps
  • Mouth: Itching, swelling, numbness

General Symptoms

  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Headache
  • Sleep disorders
  • Difficulty concentrating

Anaphylaxis (Emergency)

  • Shortness of breath and choking sensation
  • Drop in blood pressure
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Cardiac arrest

Diagnosis Of Allergic Diseases

Accurate diagnosis of allergic diseases requires a comprehensive evaluation process:

Clinical Examination

  • Detailed patient history
  • Physical examination
  • Evaluation of symptoms
  • Family history

Allergy Tests

  • Prick Test: Skin allergy testing
  • Patch Test: Contact allergy detection
  • Intradermal Test: Intradermal allergen test
  • Provocation Test: Allergen exposure test

Laboratory Tests

  • Blood Tests: IgE levels, specific allergens
  • Complete Blood Count: Eosinophil count
  • CRP and Sedimentation: Inflammation markers
  • Thyroid Function Tests: Endocrine evaluation

Imaging Methods

  • Chest X-ray
  • Sinus CT scan
  • Endoscopy (if necessary)
  • Skin biopsy (if necessary)

Modern Treatment Methods For Allergic Diseases

Our clinic uses the latest and most effective treatment methods for allergic diseases. The treatment choice depends on the type, severity, and condition of the patient.

Drug Treatments

Drug therapies provide effective results for mild to moderate allergic diseases:

Antihistamines

  • First Generation: Diphenhydramine, Chlorpheniramine
  • Second Generation: Cetirizine, Loratadine, Fexofenadine
  • Third Generation: Desloratadine, Levocetirizine
  • Application: Daily or as needed
  • Effect: Reduces allergic symptoms

Corticosteroids

  • Topical: Cream, ointment, spray
  • Oral: Tablet, syrup
  • Inhalation: For asthma treatment
  • Application: Short-term, regular follow-up

Leukotriene Antagonists

  • Montelukast: For asthma and allergic rhinitis
  • Zafirlukast: Alternative treatment
  • Effect: Reduces inflammation
  • Advantage: Safe for long-term use

Immunotherapy (Allergy Vaccines)

Immunotherapy is an effective treatment option for moderate to severe allergic diseases:

Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT)

  • Application: Injection under the skin
  • Duration: 3-5 years
  • Frequency: Weekly, monthly
  • Effect: Reduces allergic reactions

Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)

  • Application: Drops/tablets under the tongue
  • Duration: 3-5 years
  • Frequency: Daily
  • Advantage: Can be applied at home

Biological Treatments

Biological treatments are used for severe and resistant allergic diseases:

Anti-IgE Therapy

  • Omalizumab: Reduces IgE levels
  • Application: Monthly injection
  • Indication: Severe asthma, chronic urticaria
  • Advantage: High efficacy

Anti-IL-4/IL-13 Therapy

  • Dupilumab: Atopic dermatitis, asthma
  • Effect: Reduces inflammation
  • Application: Injection every 2 weeks

Combined Treatment Approach

We combine different treatment methods to achieve the best results:

  • Medication + Immunotherapy
  • Biological + Supportive treatment
  • Lifestyle changes + Medical treatment
  • Environmental control + Pharmacological treatment

Post-Treatment Care For Allergic Diseases

Regular post-treatment care is crucial:

Preventive Measures

  • Avoid allergens
  • Regular medication use
  • Environmental control
  • Stress management

Lifestyle Changes

  • Healthy diet
  • Regular exercise
  • Adequate sleep
  • Avoid smoking and alcohol

Prevention Of Allergic Diseases

To prevent allergic diseases, attention should be paid to:

Environmental Control

  • Reduce house dust mites
  • Minimize pollen exposure
  • Be cautious with animal allergies
  • Control humidity and mold

Diet Recommendations

  • Diet rich in antioxidants
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Probiotic foods
  • Vitamin D supplementation

Personal Hygiene

  • Regular hand washing
  • Proper skin care
  • Regular check-ups
  • Emergency plan

Results Of Allergic Disease Treatments

Results are generally observed over time:

Drug Treatments

  • 1-2 weeks treatment duration
  • 70-80% success rate
  • Rapid improvement
  • Regular use required

Immunotherapy

  • 3-5 years treatment duration
  • 80-90% success rate
  • Long-term results
  • Permanent improvement

Biological Treatments

  • 3-6 months treatment duration
  • 85-95% success rate
  • Fast and effective results
  • High cost

Why Choose Our Clinic?

We prepare customized treatment plans for each patient using the latest methods and our expert dermatology team:

  • Expert Team: Experienced dermatologists in allergic diseases
  • Modern Technologies: Latest diagnostic and treatment systems
  • Comprehensive Diagnosis: Detailed allergy tests and laboratory
  • Personalized Approach: Special treatment plan for each patient
  • Combined Treatment: Integration of different methods
  • Regular Follow-up: Comprehensive post-treatment care

Conclusion

Allergic diseases can be successfully controlled with accurate diagnosis and treatment. Our expert team prepares the most suitable treatment plan for you, providing effective and lasting results in your quality of life. With modern treatment methods and personalized approach, we help you learn to live with allergic diseases.