Allergology in Monterrey

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 Monterrey?

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 Monterrey 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 Monterrey

About Monterrey

Nuevo León, a northeastern state in Mexico, takes pride in its capital, Monterrey, a major financial hub for the nation. Serving as a manufacturing and industrial center, Monterrey is also home to a plethora of large Mexican and international businesses. With an impressive GDP (PPP) amounting to US$ 123 billion, it holds the distinction of being the second-most productive city in Mexico. Additionally, its population marking of 5 million residents simultaneously places it as the country's third-most populous city.

Monterrey has successfully carved out a reputation in the tourism sector, particularly drawing global attention as a favored destination for medical tourism. The underlying factors for this growing attraction can be attributed to the following reasons:

• The healthcare industry, banking, and telecommunication are the pillars of the City’s economy.
• The City has some acclaimed hospitals that offer cutting edge treatments. Most hospitals have JCI accreditation, a certification that ensures safety and quality across the healthcare industry.
• Low prices and above-average quality of medical care are the two main reasons that attract medical tourist attention.
• Proximity to the US also provides a big advantage to patients and tourists from the United States of America.
• The most popular procedures are breast augmentation and liposuction and are performed at Dr. Sauceda Plastic Surgery, Dr. Alvar Garcia Plastic Surgery Monterrey, and Dr. David Kirsch M.D. Cosmetic Surgery

Popular Areas in Monterrey

• The Macroplaza is the largest park in Mexico and is surrounded by many historical buildings and museums. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
• Fundidora Park is a heritage museum and public park that was once home to a steel mill. Today, the park is a popular destination for families and tourists alike, with a variety of attractions including a museum, a zoo, and an amusement park.
• The Museum of Modern Art displays the works of Ricardo Mazal, Antony Gormley, and Jenny Holzer. The museum is noted for its sculpture yard and restaurant.
• Cerro de la Silla, Is popular for its great urban hiking trail up the tall mountain for its fantastic view of Monterrey and the surrounding areas.
• Cerro del Obispado is a historical site that houses a museum and offers panoramic views of the city. It is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike to learn about the history of Monterrey and enjoy the views.
• To get a glimpse of a traditional wrestling match, Coliseo is the place to be. If you are lucky and brave enough, then you may even get to see a traditional bullfight.

Weather and Climate in Monterrey

It has a dry climate and is one of the hottest cities in Mexico, winters tend to be moderate, while summers can reach high levels of heat. The hot season, which spans from May to September, is often accompanied by rainfall. For the rest of the year, the climate remains mild with relatively minimal temperate fluctuations, and there's hardly any rain during the cold season.

Monterrey can exhibit drastic shifts in its weather scenarios. For instance, a sudden shower during the summer can cool the temperatures down significantly. Conversely, the winter season might witness balmy temperatures in the absence of city-crossing winds. Instances of ice, snow, and sleet are quite the rarity in this region.

Getting around in Monterrey

In Monterrey, there are primarily two airports dedicated to catering a variety of air traffic. The main airport used for commercial flights is Monterrey International Airport. The secondary airport, comparatively smaller, primarily serves private and cargo aircraft traffic. Monterrey International Airport efficiently accommodates a mix of both international as well as domestic travel audiences.

American, United, Delta, and Copa are some of the international airlines that connect it to Houston, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Dallas, Las Vegas, San Antonio, etc. People can travel to the nearby Mexican cities of Guadalajara, Mexico City, Cancun, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, and Tijuana using Interjet, Aeromar, Magnicharters, and Volaris. At the same time Interjet, Aeromexico, and Viva Aerobus cater to both domestic and international travelers.

Monterrey houses the largest bus terminal in the northern region of Mexico, offering a significant connectivity advantage. Individuals can travel to and from Monterrey and various other bus stations dispersed across Mexico and the US using trans-border buses. Given Monterrey’s closeness to the US-Mexico border, a car ride from the US is another feasible transportation choice.

Moving around within the city is quite feasible and straightforward. Although efficient, the subway system's coverage is relatively limited. The optimum choice for commuting is the taxi service, which may come with a slightly higher cost compared to bus rides. It's advisable to request the driver to go by the meter to guarantee fair charges.

Tourist Visas in Monterrey

Citizens of 67 countries, including Australia, Canada, Schengen countries, the USA, the UK, and Japan, do not need a tourist visa to visit Monterrey, Mexico, for up to 180 days, as long as their trip does not provide any monetary benefit to them. People who have a valid visa to the US and PR in Canada also do not need a separate visa to enter Mexico. The exemption is available to many countries in South America and the Caribbean Islands also. You can check your eligibility on the official website of the Mexican government.

Citizens of other countries will need to obtain a tourist visa to visit Monterrey, Mexico. The tourist visa is valid for six months from the date of entry. You can apply for a visa at the Mexican consulate in your country.

Required documents for a tourist visa:

• Valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining beyond your planned date of departure from Mexico.
• Visa application form.
• Two passport-sized photos.
• Proof of onward travel, such as a return flight ticket.
• Proof of financial resources, such as a bank statement or credit card statement.
• Visa processing fee.

Additional Information

1. The local currency used in Monterrey, Mexico, is the Mexican peso (MXN). The exchange rate for the Mexican peso fluctuates daily, but it is currently trading between 20 and 21 Mexican pesos to the euro and 18 to 19 Mexican pesos to the US dollar.
2. You can use a credit card for payment at big stores, hospitals, and restaurants. Smaller merchants and establishments may not accept credit cards. Therefore, it is better to carry some local currency. You can also use the ATMs available in the city to withdraw local currency. The use of cards may involve certain transaction charges. Tipping is not compulsory. However, people appreciate some form of tipping; somewhere between 10 to 15 % of the total bill is the norm. Porters also get tipped, say, 10 pesos per bag.
3. Mexico Spanish or Castilian Spanish is the main language here. Locals can also communicate in English as well. It would still be an advantage if you can say some basic phrases in Spanish.
4. The majority of the people living in Monterrey are Christians.
5. Mexicans observe holidays on Christian festivals and some national holidays. Christmas and New Year’s Day are the two main public holidays. Independence Day on 16th September and Revolution day on the third Monday of November are the two main national holidays. Apart from this, there are many other holidays.