Allergology in Alicante

Allergology is the branch of medicine that deals with the study, diagnosis, and treatment of allergies. Allergies are the immune system’s response to substances that can be harmful to the human body (allergens). Allergens can be found in the air, certain foods, everyday objects, drugs, and pets. 

A doctor who specializes in the treatment of allergies is called an allergist, while a scientist who studies allergology is called an allergologist. They can examine allergic pulmonary and skin diseases in both children and adults. In addition, they are able to examine the ear, nose, and throat diseases that are related to allergic problems. Allergist usually works with other specialists, such as ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctors, dermatologists, internists, or gynecologists. Some of the most common allergy that allergists can help treat include:

• Food allergies (such as peanuts, cow’s milk protein, meat, and fruit)
• Animals (such as insects and feathered or furry animals)
• Dust mites (tiny bugs that can be found in dust in carpets, mattresses, and furniture)
• Pollens (trees, grasses, herbaceous plants)
• Latex
• Mould
• Certain metals
• Sun.

The specialty of adult allergology focuses on the treatment of atopic eczema and urticaria, asthma and obstructive pulmonary diseases, chronic maxillary sinusitis, allergic eye symptoms, as well as drug and food allergies. Pediatric allergology concentrates on treating atopic eczemas and asthma in children of all ages, in addition to food allergies and other types of allergies.

Allergists can perform a wide range of tests and procedures, including:

• Allergy skin testing, including prick skin testing and intradermal skin testing
• Food challenges
• Aspirin desensitization
• Blood tests
• Physical exam
• Spirometry (lung function tests)
• Medication/drug challenge
• Patch testing
• Allergy shots
• Prescribing medications, such as emergency epinephrine and antihistamine.

How Long Should I Stay in Alicante?

You should be able to leave the clinic or hospital on the same day as your allergy test or treatment. However, it is advisable that you stay at least 2 to 3 days after an allergy test to wait for the results. You will need to visit your allergist who will explain the results to you and discuss the best treatment option. If you need allergy shots, you usually require them every 2 to 4 weeks for 4 to 5 months. You can choose to travel multiple times or stay in Alicante until the whole treatment is finished.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

There is little to no recovery times after allergy tests or treatments. You should be able to resume your normal activities as soon as you do not experience symptoms that interfere with your ability to perform your daily activity.

What Aftercare is Required?

Your doctor will give you instructions to prevent an allergic reaction from happening in the future, which usually includes avoiding your allergens. In some cases, they will give you an emergency epinephrine autoinjector and teach you how to use it. Make sure to keep the product near you at all times. You may also be advised to let your family, friends, or those closest to you know where you keep the epinephrine and how to use it. 

What's the Success Rate?

Diagnosis and treatment of allergy are becoming more successful and safer now thanks to the continuous advancement of allergology. For example, around 85% of people who receive regular allergy shots for 3 to 5 years, experience permanent results. Medicines can also control the symptoms much better now. However, some types of treatments do have side effects and risks, such as reactions that appear as hives at the site of the injection, redness, nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy skin.

Are there Alternatives?

In most cases, you will need to see an allergist diagnose and treat allergy, but you can also see an immunologist as the alternative. If your symptoms are found to be caused by other problems unrelated to allergy, your allergist will refer you to the relevant specialist. 

Allergology in and around Alicante

About Alicante

Alicante is a city in Spain known for its historic Mediterranean port, castle, old quarter, and sandy beaches. It is also popular for its exciting eating scene and legendary nightlife. Due to the city’s resorts and attractions, the city is very much influenced by tourism. Home to numerous top-quality, world-renowned medical facilities, it is also one of the most popular destinations for medical tourism in Spain. Almost all of the medical facilities in the city have top-level medical professionals who specialize in the use and application of the most advanced medical technologies in all branches of medicine. Added to this is the city’s affordable medical costs that allow international medical tourists to save 30% to 70% of their money. Also, the city’s strategic location makes it very accessible for foreign patients.

Popular Parts of Alicante

Located on the Mediterranean coast, Alicante offers a wealth of activities for anyone who wants to have fun under the sun. The most popular beach in the city is San Juan de Alicante, which offers fine, golden sand and clear blue waters. On this beach, visitors can try kayaks, yachts, surfing, or even scuba diving. Another popular beach is Playa del Postiguet where visitors can relax and sunbathe. Beyond its beaches, Alicante has many other attractions. One of the most popular is the old town as it is filled with beautiful architecture; art museums, a cathedral, and stunning narrow streets. The city also has numerous historic sites and museums, such as Castell de la Santa Barbara, Museu de la Ciutat d’Alacant, Basilica de Santa Maria, and Museum de Belles Arts Gravina.

Transport in Alicante

Visitors will arrive at Alicante–Elche Airport, which is the fifth-busiest airport in Spain and operates international flights to and from numerous cities in Europe. To get around the city, the tram and bus are the most affordable options. Both have expansive networks that stop at key locations. Taxis are also available, regulated, and relatively affordable. Those who stay in the old town can get around on foot since most areas of interest are within walking distance.

Visas in Alicante

Spain is a member of the Schengen Convention. Therefore, citizens of 62 countries, including Australia, Canada, and the United States, are granted visa-free entry and can stay for up to 90 days. Other countries need to apply for a visa prior to traveling. 

Weather in Alicante

The weather in Alicante is pleasant all-year-round, due to its location on the Mediterranean coast. The summers are hot and the winters are mild. During the hottest months of the summer, July and August, the temperatures rarely drop below 30°C. However, the refreshing and cooling breeze of the Mediterranean Sea makes it endurable. In the winter, the temperatures can drop to 8°C. Autumn and spring are both pleasant.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: The euro is the official currency and 1 EUR is approx. = 1.12 USD.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are easily available. Credit and debit cards can be used for most purchases and tipping is optional.
3. Local Language: The official language is Spanish. Many people can speak good English. 
4. Local Culture and Religion: The largest religion is Catholic Christianity, but there are also small groups of Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, and several other religions.
5. Public Holidays: Some of the most important public holidays are New Year’s Day, Day of Murcia, and Christmas Day.