Allergology in Ilsan

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 Ilsan?

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 Ilsan 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 Ilsan

About Ilsan

Ilsan, or Ilsan New Town, is a planned city that sits in the two districts of Ilsanseo-gu and Ilsandong-gu in Goyang. It is situated northwest of Seoul and is one of the satellite cities of the Seoul National Capital Area. The city was planned to help with housing shortages in Seoul. In the last decade, Ilsan has gone through rapid growth, drawing in the upper-middle-class and upper-class Koreans. Today, the city has also become a popular destination for medical tourism. The clinics and hospitals in Ilsan attract international medical tourists by delivering quality services, reasonably priced medical procedures, advanced medical technology, fast and efficient diagnostics, and therapeutic services, as well as IT-based infrastructure. 

Popular Parts of Ilsan

Ilsan has a dynamic culture and a beautiful urban landscape. One of the most popular parts of the city is Lake Park, which covers an area of 295,000m2 and is the biggest artificial lake in Asia. It has a variety of wildflowers and plants, including cactus arboretum. The park also features botanical gardens, a bike path, a musical fountain, and recreational facilities. With everything that the park provides, it is frequented by both locals and international visitors. Those who love marine life should visit the Hanwha Aqua Planet. Visitors can see the amazing underwater scenery up close and learn more about the marine ecosystem and the importance of ecosystem conservation. Another popular attraction is the Statue of Peace, which is a symbol of the victims of sexual slavery by the Japanese military that took place during the Manchurian incident until the end of the Pacific war.

Transport in Ilsan

Since Ilsan is a part of the Seoul National Capital Area, international visitors will arrive at Incheon International Airport, which is the main international airport in South Korea. The city is connected to Seoul by the Metropolitan Subway as well as inter-city buses. To get around the city, local buses are convenient and affordable. Taxis are plentiful and comfortable.

Visas in Ilsan

Citizens of 112 countries, including all EU countries, Canada, Russia, and the US are eligible to visit and stay in South Korea for 30, 60, and 180 days without a visa. Other nationals not listed in the visa-free entry agreement are required to apply and obtain a visa prior to their arrival.

Weather in Ilsan

There are four distinct seasons. From late November to early March is the winter. The city can be very cold during this season, with the temperatures sometimes dropping as low as -10°C to -20°C. The temperatures will begin to rise in spring, which starts in March and ends in May. However, keep in mind that this season tends to have more rain. Summer is generally pleasant, but the weather can be hot with occasional rain showers. Autumn is pleasant, with comfortable temperatures. 

Additional Info

1. Local Currency:  South Korean Won (KRW) is the currency used in Ilsan. 1 USD is around 1,185 KRW.
2. Money & Payments:  ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Tipping is not necessary, except for tour guides and porters.
3. Local Language: The official and most spoken language is Korean, with Hangul as the formal script. English is mostly used in tourist areas.
4. Local Culture and Religion:  Many people in the city are either religious or adhere to indigenous religions. However, other religions, especially Buddhism and Christianity, are also widely practiced.
5. Public Holidays: Some of the most important public holidays are New Year’s Day, Korean New Year, Buddha’s Birthday, and Harvest Festival.