Allergy
An allergy is an exaggerated reaction of the immune system after contact with a substance that is foreign to the body. This substance is called an allergen.
In principle, allergens are harmless, but the immune system of sensitive people regards them as dangerous and causes an allergic reaction.
Allergic reaction
An allergic reaction can occur
- After inhalation of inhaled allergens (e.g. pollen, dust mite, animal hair, fungi ... )
- After oral intake
- of food (e.g. milk, eggs, wheat, fish, crustaceans, nuts, raw vegetables and fruits...)
- of medication (e.g. antibiotics and painkillers)
- After a bee or wasp sting
- Through skin contact (e.g. cosmetics, nickel)
- Due to pharmaceutical products
- Due to contact with natural rubber or latex
Complaints
The complaints can be very diverse:
- Upper respiratory tract: sneezing, blocked nose, runny nose (rhino conjunctivitis or ‘hay fever’)
- Lower respiratory tract: coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest (asthma)
- Gastrointestinal system: abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting
- Skin: eczema, hives
- Eyes: tingling or watery eyes
- A severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock): extreme reaction with a sharp drop in blood pressure combined with fainting, unconsciousness and severe breathing difficulties
Below is an overview of where you can go with your symptoms:
Ear, nose and throat surgery department
- Complaints in the nose, throat or ears, latex allergy.
Pulmonary Diseases department
- Complaints in the lungs, allergy to medication, allergy to bee and wasp venoms.
Childhood diseases department
- Allergy symptoms in children.
Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Diseases department
- Symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract.
Skin Diseases department
- Symptoms related to the skin.
Eye Diseases department
- Symptoms related to the eyes.
Emergency department
- Sudden allergic reactions.
Anaesthesia department
- Questions about allergy during surgery.
