Allergology

What is allergy?

Allergy is an exaggerated response of an individual towards allergens (foreign substances) that are present in the environment where we live, such as: pollens, molds, insects, or towards substances that we introduce with food (food allergens).

The symptoms of allergy are various: sneezing, burning eyes, nose itchiness…. There are various types of allergic diseases:

• allergenic asthma
• food allergies
• hives
• drug allergic reactions
• insect allergic reactions

Allergy is typical of our times; it is increasing in frequency and affects at least eight million Italians. Treatment may be administered by:

• using anti-histamine and antiallergic drugs: nasal sprays, tablets…
• using vaccines. The aim is to induce tolerance towards the allergen. Oral, epi-cutaneous and injection vaccines are available.