Allergology in Marrakech

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 Marrakech?

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 Marrakech 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 Marrakech

About Marrakech

Located to the north of the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is the fourth largest city in the Kingdom of Morocco. Found nearly a thousand years ago, this city is where Africa, the Middle East, and Europe fuse into one. It is widely known as the red city because of its famous red walls, alleys, and plazas. The city offers a rare opportunity for tourists to immerse themselves in culture, where modern and ancient merge in a perfect balance. Just like many Moroccan cities, the medina in Marrakech is too beautiful to be missed. 

Marrakech has the perfect environment for relaxing and rejuvenating, which is one of the reasons why many medical tourists seek health treatments in this beautiful red city.  The medical facilities in the city offer outstanding quality with the latest technology and a wide range of treatments. Healthcare in this city is considerably cheaper than in Western countries and many people are also attracted to Marrakech because it is known to excel in modern plastic surgery. The most sought-after procedures are liposuction, nose jobs, breast lifts, and ear surgery. Other treatments such as dental care, spa, and wellness are also popular.

Popular Areas in Marrakech

This exotic city has everything for everyone, whether you want to indulge in its culture and history or have a luxurious and modern vacation.

• Djemaa El Fna is the most famous square in Morocco that attracts tourists from all around the globe. Often referred to as the heart of Marrakech, the square is a thrilling place to go shopping and get a closer look into the Moroccan culture. However, the real excitement starts when the sun sets and the square is transformed into an Arabian fantasy. It will be filled with fortune tellers, snake charmers, monkeys, and musicians, making it an interesting place to have fun and experience new things. 
• Ali Ben Youssef Medersa is the largest madrasa in Morocco and one of the most important in North Africa. Built around 500 years ago, the Quranic learning center still retains its splendid beauty. It is said that up to 900 students have lived in the building to study law and theology. In 1960, it was turned into a museum and one of the most popular sights in Marrakech. Tourists can enjoy a striking view of architecture and decoration as its wall and columns have astonishing carvings, the large patio is made of marble, and the inner courtyard is decorated with mosaics.
• Musée Yves Saint Laurent is a must-visit for any fashion enthusiast and the museum exhibits selected masterpieces of haute couture clothing and accessories made by the legendary French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent from 1962 until his retirement in 2002. Designed by Studio KO, the building itself is impressive with terracotta brick and earthen-colored terrazzo. The museum consists of a 150-seat auditorium, bookstore, a research library, and a terrace café.
• The Bahia Palace means brilliance in Arabic and it is a fascinating well-preserved historical site in Marrakech. It consists of a palace and a set of gardens which was built in the late 19th century. The building perfectly captures the essence of the Islamic and Moroccan style.

Weather and Climate in Marrakech

Marrakech mostly experiences a hot semi-arid climate. Spring starts in March and ends in May, with flowers blossoming and the temperature is between 15 °C at the lowest and 28 °C at the highest, spring is one of the best times to visit the city. If you’re planning to visit during this season, note that April and May have occasional rain showers. June to August are the summer months which can get extremely hot and the average temperature is around 26 °C to 30 °C, but it can increase to 36.8 °C. It is best to stay in the shade from noon to 3.00 PM when the sun is at its hottest. 

The temperature will slowly decrease in the Autumn months of September to November. This season is also one of the best seasons to travel and have some outdoor adventures in the red city. Although the summer is remarkably hot, the winter in Marrakech is cold as the temperature sometimes plummets to 6 °C. This season runs from December to February and it is also the wettest season as rain is most predominant in December.

Getting Around in Marrakech

The main international airport serving Marrakech is the Marrakesh Menara International Airport. The airport operates domestic and international flights. It has two passenger terminals in one large building that serve flights to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Budget airlines such as EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air provides affordable options to travel to and from the red city.  

Taxis are widely available throughout the city. It is also one of the most efficient and flexible ways to get to the main sites and there are two kinds of taxis in the city. The Grand taxis are old Mercedes cars that can carry up to six people and have a specific route with a fixed fare. Tourists can find the grand taxis at the bus station or Djemaa el Fna. Petit taxis are a private taxi, and the drive will take you anywhere. These taxis are metered and can be a little more expensive than the grand taxis. There are drivers who do not use the meter so you should bargain or ask the driver to switch the meter on before you get into one.

Buses are the most inexpensive way to get around. Tourists can find them in the central bus station of Place El Mouarabitene, and most buses will stop at the Djmaa el Fna. Tourists can pay the fare directly to the driver. If you want a more traditional and interesting way to get around, you can opt for the caliche and it is a horse-drawn carriage with a fixed price for the most common routes. 

Tourist Visas in Marrakech

There are around 66 countries granted visa-free access to Morocco for up to 90 days, including the European Union, Australia, China, Russia, and the United States. Citizens of the Republic of the Congo, Guinea, and Mali do not require a visa but must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization in advance. It is best to always check the current regulations at the nearest Moroccan Embassy or Consulate before applying for a visa.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD) and the exchange rate from 1USD is 9.70 MAD.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs can be found all over the city. Credit cards are mostly accepted in top-end restaurants and hotels. Tipping can be obligatory sometimes. 
3. Local Language: Modern Standard Arabic and Berber is the official languages and French is widely spoken. English is not common but there will be people who can speak English especially in tourist areas.
4. Local Culture and Religion: The majority of the population follows Islam. There are also people who follow Christianity, Judaism, and Baha’i Faith.
5. Public Holidays: Islam religious holidays such as Islamic New Year and Eid al-Fitr are celebrated in Marrakech.