Allergology in Marbella

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 Marbella?

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 Marbella 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 Marbella

About Marbella

Marbella is a city and a municipality located in southern Spain. Situated on the Mediterranean Sea, the city is one of the most cosmopolitan beach resorts in the country. It is particularly famous for its beaches with fine sand and clear blue water. Today, Marbella has become a preferred destination for medical tourism. The city is filled with a great variety of hospitals and clinics offering high-class services, from beauty and wellbeing to major medical treatments such as oncology and traumatology. All the private hospitals in the city now have a department that works exclusively to attract international patients. These hospitals all provide luxurious services and round the clock care. International medical tourists will feel as if they are staying in a 5-star hotel instead of a hospital. Furthermore, these hospitals are staffed with highly-skilled doctors and specialists.

Popular Parts of Madrid

Marbella’s biggest draw is its beaches, including Nagüeles Beach and El Ancón Beach, where people can sunbathe, swim, or even enjoy water sports activities. Most of the beaches are also lined with amazing beach bars to eat or drink while escaping the heat. Beyond its beaches, Marbella also has a significant historical heritage. The most popular area to visit is the old quarter (Casco Antiguo), which is packed with beautiful Andalucian and Moorish architecture, ornately painted tiles, balconies full of flowers, and narrow streets. Visitors can also find numerous churches and chapels. In the heart of the old quarter is Plaza de Los Naranjos, a square where visitors can find the city hall, restaurants and bars, renaissance architecture, and orange trees. 

Transport in Madrid

Málaga Airport is the nearest airport to Marbella. It has both domestic and international flights to many cities in Europe and is serviced by numerous airlines. Those who want to get around with public transportation are provided with a network of seven local bus lines, which is relatively affordable and will get visitors too many places around the city. Taxis are available and official rates are displayed inside the licensed taxi. Visitors who stay in the downtown area can get around by foot easily since the area is fairly compact.

Visas in Madrid

Spain is a part of the Schengen Convention, meaning citizens of 62 countries, such as Australia, Canada, and the US, do not need a visa to visit and stay in Marbella for up to 90 days. Holders of passports issued by other countries not listed in the visa-free agreement need to apply and obtain a visa prior to arrival.

Weather in Madrid

Marbella experiences a Mediterranean climate with about 320 sunshine days each year. The summer in the city is hot, while the winter is typically mild. During the hottest months, July and August, the temperatures can soar to 30°C, but the breeze of the Mediterranean Sea will make the hot temperatures bearable. December to January is somewhat rainier than the rest of the year.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: The local currency used in Marbella is the Euro. 1 EUR converts to approx. 1.12 USD.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available around Marbella. Credit cards are accepted in most businesses and tipping is expected in some places.
3. Local Language: The Spanish spoken in Marbella is Andalusian Spanish. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Christianity is the largest religion in Marbella. However, other religions are also freely practiced.
5. Public Holidays: New Year's Day, Andalucía Day, San José, Spanish National Day, and Christmas Day are some of the most important public holidays in the city.