Questions and answers

I have an allergy – what should I know?

(Bild: absolutimages – adobe stock, kroneMED, Christoph Hopf)

Even if "runny nose" and "itchy eyes" often sound harmless: Patients with an allergy, for example to pollen, often have a severely restricted quality of life. Dr. Christian Maté, a general practitioner, has all the information and contact points for allergy sufferers here and on KroneMED.

Allergies can cause many different symptoms. The most common symptoms include a runny or blocked nose, itchy or watery eyes, sneezing attacks, coughing and breathing difficulties. Other typical signs are swollen eyes, headaches and a general feeling of exhaustion. Allergies can be seasonal, such as pollen allergies in spring, or year-round, such as house dust allergies. Allergies can be triggered in many different ways. For example, certain pollens, cat dander, house dust mites, mold or latex can often trigger allergies. 

When should I see a doctor with allergies?
Your GP can usually diagnose allergic rhinitis on the basis of the typical symptoms, the circumstances of their occurrence and a physical examination. During the examination, he or she will look into the front part of your nasal cavity and ears with an otoscope and also inspect your eyes closely. If there are clear indications of a specific allergen, i.e. a triggering substance such as certain pollens, based on your description, your GP can give you tips on how to avoid allergens. They can also prescribe medication to alleviate your symptoms. There are effective nasal sprays and tablets for this type of allergy. Your doctor may send you to an allergy outpatient clinic for testing.

Quick help on the Internet

The health hotline 1450 is available to answer health questions, even at night and at weekends. You can also find information on common health issues in the GP practice at kronemed.at. On the Internet, the health portal at www.gesundheit.gv.at offers a comprehensive range of information.

How allergy sufferers can get help
An allergy outpatient clinic can test whether you are allergic to certain substances. The standard method for testing is the so-called prick test. This involves applying a drop of the test solution to the inside of the forearm and then scratching the skin with a small lancet. Don't worry, this is done very superficially and usually doesn't hurt. This is done for every possible allergen. After 20 minutes, it is checked whether reddening of the skin has occurred in one or more areas.

(Bild: Yuliia – stock.adobe.com / KroneMED)

Especially in patients with persistent or severe symptoms despite treatment or with additional respiratory diseases, your GP will consult an allergist. Allergists are specialists, usually from the fields of ear, nose and throat medicine, dermatology, pulmonary medicine and paediatrics, who have an additional specialization in this area. They can work in an allergy outpatient clinic, but also in a specialist practice. Allergen immunotherapy with a causal effect is also started by an allergist, usually in an allergy outpatient clinic. This is the only treatment that addresses the cause. 

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