Department of Allergology

Today, allergic disorders such as neurodermatitis, hay fever, asthma, and food allergies nowadays are continually on the rise. Allergies are held to be the number one environmental illness. The best way to treat allergies is to avoid the trigger allergens after a careful prior investigation. As a diagnostic and therapeutic center, the allergy ward of the Zurich University Hospital has made significant contributions in this field for years.

Diagnosis and evaluations for the following allergic disorders

• Hay fever (= pollinosis)
  
• Allergic bronchial asthma, occupational asthma
  
• Insect bite allergies (to bees or wasps)
  
• Food allergies, including allergies and Intolerances to food/nutritional supplements/additives
  
• Medication allergies and intolerance (e.g. local anesthetics, narcotics, Aspirin)
  
• Hives = urticaria and cutaneous swellings (Quincke’s edema, including HANO = hereditary angioedema)
  
• Atopic eczema (= neurodermatitis)
  
• Evaluations for other suspected allergies

Methods

• Detailed history

• Determination of household allergens (e.g. dust mites), inhalation allergens (pollen), food-based or medication allergens, through a variety of skin and blood examinations
  
  

  
  

• -Performance of oral provocation tests with food stuffs, nutritional supplements and medications, especially analgesics

• Performance of subcutaneous provocation tests under local anesthesia

• Pulmonary function tests and challenge tests with physical factors (exertion, cold, methacholine)

• Allergologic laboratory examination such as determination of spec. IgE (CAP), leukotriene-release (CAST) and important mediators (ECP, tryptase)
  
  
  

Management of Allergies

• Educational solutions to avoid allergen contact (e.g. dust mite sanitation)
• Conventional medication therapy
• Specific immunotherapy (desensitization)
• Patient education regarding use and abuse of alternative methods in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies
• If specific allergies are present, use of innovative therapies such as vaccination with so-called anti-IgE vaccines in cases of severe allergic asthma and severe pollen allergies
• Ultrarush desensitization in cases of bee and wasp venom allergies
• Oral desensitization with pollen extracts
  

Patientenorganisationen

• aha! Allergiezentrum Schweiz
• Food Allergy Reasearch & Education