Allergology Department at Hygeia Hospital Tirana offers specialized and modern services in the diagnosis and treatment of the entire spectrum of allergic diseases for both adults and children, such as:
Food Allergy
Food allergies currently affect 4-6% of children and around 4% of adults. Food allergies are most commonly seen in early childhood, but they can affect any age group. It is possible for a food allergy to develop even after the food has been consumed previously without any immediate problems. An allergic reaction to food occurs when the immune system reacts to a food or food protein, mistakenly considering it dangerous. Symptoms of a food allergy include skin reactions, gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular symptoms, and respiratory symptoms.
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is associated with frequent sneezing, blocked or runny nose, and itching around the eyes, mouth, or surrounding skin. It can occur in two forms:
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Seasonal: Symptoms may appear in spring, summer, or early autumn, usually triggered by airborne allergens such as mold spores and pollen from grasses, trees, and shrubs.
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Perennial: People with perennial allergic rhinitis experience symptoms year-round, primarily caused by indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander, mold, and fungi.
Allergic Asthma
If you frequently experience difficulty breathing or wheezing in your chest during breathing, you may have bronchial asthma, a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the bronchi, the airways that carry air to the lungs. If people with asthma are exposed to substances they are allergic to or stressful situations, their symptoms may worsen.
Eye Allergy
Eye allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, occur when substances a person is allergic to irritate the conjunctiva of the eye. These symptoms are usually accompanied by sneezing, nasal congestion or discharge, and can result from allergic rhinitis. Symptoms of eye allergies include excessive tearing, itching, redness of the eyes, increased sensitivity to light, and swelling of the eyelids. Eye allergies are caused by the same factors as allergic rhinitis or asthma:
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Outdoor allergens: such as pollen from grasses, trees, and shrubs.
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Indoor allergens: such as dust mites, mold, or pet dander.
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema, affecting about 10-20% of children and 1-3% of adults. If your skin is dry, with red and irritated areas accompanied by itching, you may have atopic dermatitis. Sometimes, especially when the skin is infected, small blisters filled with clear or yellowish fluid may develop. People with atopic dermatitis often have family members with other types of allergies. Some people with eczema also suffer from food allergies, which can worsen symptoms.
Urticaria (Hives)
Urticaria is characterized by raised, red, swollen hives on the skin anywhere on the body. It occurs in two forms: acute and chronic. Acute urticaria lasts less than 6 weeks, whereas chronic urticaria lasts more than 6 weeks. Acute urticaria is most often caused by an infection or exposure to an allergen. Chronic urticaria can last for months or years, and the cause is often unknown.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction that occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritating or allergenic substance. Symptoms include redness and blisters, which are often accompanied by a burning sensation and itching. Allergic contact dermatitis occurs from contact with a substance the person is allergic to. Common allergens include components in perfumes, metals (including nickel), adhesives, nail products, local medications, certain plants, and rubber gloves. Irritants such as water, soap, detergents, fabric softeners, and shampoos are the most frequent causes of irritant contact dermatitis.
Drug Allergy
The side effects of medications are numerous, and how they manifest in people varies. Only 5-10% of drug-related side effects occur due to an allergic reaction to the medication. If, after taking a medication, you experience symptoms like skin rash, hives, or difficulty breathing, you may be dealing with a drug allergy. As with other allergic reactions, this occurs when the immune system becomes sensitive to the components of the drug, mistakenly perceiving them as dangerous and reacting to protect itself.
Symptoms include:
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Skin rash or hives
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Itching
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Wheezing or other breathing problems
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Swelling
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Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that affects two or more body systems simultaneously (e.g., simultaneous skin rash and difficulty breathing)
The Allergology Department offers a complete diagnostic and treatment program for patients with allergic diseases, including outpatient services, day care, and hospitalization. This department closely collaborates with other departments of the hospital to organize joint consultations.
Skin Test
Allergy skin tests are the most common examination in allergology and are performed at our hospital by a specialized and experienced team. This test helps confirm allergies to food or airborne substances. It consists of a simple, safe, and quick examination (the result is obtained within 15-20 minutes), making it suitable for all ages. As a result, you will receive an immediate response along with the doctor’s opinion for treatment. The allergens to be tested are selected by the allergist after taking a detailed history of the symptoms. The testing procedure includes applying a small amount of allergen on the skin of the forearm and lightly pricking the skin, waiting for a small allergic reaction to appear at the test site. The test is not painful. Before the allergy tests, medications that inhibit skin reactions should not be used. Antihistamine preparations should be stopped 7 days before the tests. It should be noted that some cough medications contain antihistamines.
Patch Tests
Patch tests, or adhesive skin tests, are used to determine the causes of eczema/dermatitis as well as to test medications for certain forms of drug allergies. Patients are tested for suspected chemical substances that may cause allergies (such as nickel in metals, perfume and cosmetic ingredients, rubber found in gloves, etc.) as well as other allergens that may be related to the workplace. The substances to be tested are applied on small discs (about 1 cm in diameter) and adhered to the skin of the back. Healthy skin is required for the test. If there is eczema on the back, it must be treated beforehand. To ensure the test results are not affected, cortisone-containing creams should not be used on the skin for 3-4 weeks prior to the test, and prolonged sun exposure should be avoided. After applying the tests, markings will be made on the skin, and the tests will be kept on the back for 48 hours. You will then be asked to keep the area dry. During your next visit, the tests will be removed, and the skin will be observed for any possible reaction.
Blood Allergy Tests
Blood allergy tests help us diagnose the causes of allergies, such as plant pollens, mold, dust mites, pets, and foods. Blood tests are useful because they only require a simple blood sample. For infants and young children, a single blood draw is more practical than applying skin tests. These tests are not affected by medication intake. The results of these tests are available after a few days.
Spirometry and Flow-Volume Curves
Spirometry is a test that measures forced expiratory volume. During this test, the patient inhales maximally, filling the lungs to their Total Lung Capacity, and then forcefully exhales into a device called a spirometer. Spirometry measures volume and time, from which several important parameters are calculated, such as:
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FVC (Forced Vital Capacity): the maximum amount of air that can be exhaled in a single breath.
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FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second): the amount of air exhaled in the first second.
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FEV1/FVC: the percentage of FVC exhaled in the first second.
The third parameter (FEV1/FVC) helps us determine the obstruction in the airways. Flow-Volume Curves are similar to spirometry but the data are calculated differently, showing us the localization and nature of the obstruction.
Spirometry After Bronchodilator
In this case, a second spirometry is required about 15 minutes after the application of the bronchodilator (salbutamol). An increase in values of over 12% in FVC or FEV1 is considered a positive response.
