Allergology in Munich

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 Munich?

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 Munich 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 Munich

About Munich

Munich is the largest city in Southern Germany and it is one of a few places on earth where traditional and modern sit side by side, with its royal palaces and high-tech cars. Known as the ‘city of art and beer,’ this city is famous for its annual beer festival known as Oktoberfest. What most people do not realize is that Munich is also one of the world’s most famous medical tourism destination. Thanks to the famous German education system that creates skilled specialists, as well as state-of-the-art medical centers that invest in the latest medical technology, medical tourism in this city is a booming business that continues to grow at a fast rate. International patients usually travel to the city for quality rather than the price.

Popular Parts of Munich

Munich boasts a beautiful historic center, amazing German food, large parks and gardens, and beer halls packed with welcoming people. Visitors can explore numerous historical buildings, such as the Church of St. Peter and Frauenkirche. These two buildings have been around for centuries and are located in Munich’s Old Town. One of the most popular attractions in the city is Alte Pinakothek, which is an important art museum that houses over 800 works from the 14th – 18th centuries from German masters. Those who want to have a picnic, hike, simply relax or even try surfing should visit the English Garden. Other popular places include Dachau Concentration Camp, Nymphenburg Palace, BMW Museum, and Deutsches Museum.

Transport in Munich

The international airport of Munich is Munich Airport, which is the second-busiest airport in Germany in terms of passenger traffic. It serves international flights from many cities around the world, including Dubai, Bangkok, and Atlanta. Munich has a comprehensive network of public transportation that will take visitors virtually anywhere around the city. The most common transit system is the U-Bahn, which is a fast and easy underground subway system. Buses, trams, and commuter trains are also available and each has a vast network. Taxis are easy to hail, reliable, and safe. However, they are a bit pricey and Uber operates in Munich.

Visas in Munich

As a member of the Schengen Area, Germany allows citizens of several countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the US, and Poland to enter and stay in the country without a visa for up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries not listed in the visa-free entry need to obtain a visa to visit the country. Always check the requirements for Germany Visa Application before applying.

Weather in Munich

From June to August is the summer, which is a popular time to enjoy outdoor activities as the temperatures hover around 24°C. On very hot days, the temperatures can reach 30°C. Autumn (September – October) and spring (March-May) has pleasant weather with mild temperatures. Winter can be very cold, with temperatures dropping as low as -10°C.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: Euro (EUR) is the official currency. 1 EUR is approx. 1.12 USD.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are easy to find. Credit cards are not widely accepted and tipping is common practice.
3. Local Language: The official language is German. Many people, particularly in tourism areas, understand English to some extent.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Christianity is the largest religion in the city, followed by Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Judaism.
5. Public Holidays: Munich celebrates numerous holidays, including New Year’s Day and Christmas Day. It also hosts several festivals throughout the year, such as Oktoberfest in October.