Allergology in Taipei

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 Taipei?

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 Taipei 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 Taipei

About Taipei

Taipei City is the capital and one of the special municipalities of Taiwan. It is located in the northern part of the island in a basin between the Central Mountains and the Yangming Mountains. Characterized by friendly people and safe streets, this city is one of the most fascinating places to visit. It has an amazing history, delicious food, and a blend of Chinese culture with a fusion of Japanese, American, and Southeast Asian influences. While most visitors normally visit the city to indulge in its culture and go sightseeing, more and more people are traveling here to have medical treatment, due to the high-quality medical standards, professional teams, high-tech medical equipment, and reasonable prices. 

Popular Parts of Taipei

Zhongshan and Datong are two of the most popular parts of Taipei. Zhongshan was once the financial and international business center of the city, and today, it still has plenty of hotels and eateries. Visitors can also find numerous excellent museums, Taipei Expo Park, and Taipei’s version of the London Eye called Miramar. Datong is one of the oldest parts of the city. It is known to be home to Taipei’s finest temples, such as the Confucius Temple, Bao’an Temple, and Xiahai City God Temple. Those who love shopping should go to Da’an, an important commercial and residential area in the city. It houses some of the city’s classiest shopping areas, as well as the most sophisticated bars and a beautiful park. Another popular area is Shilin, which is where the National Palace Museum is located.

Transport in Taipei

The primary international airport in Taipei is the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. It connects the city with various major cities around the globe, such as New York, Frankfurt, Tokyo, and Paris. Some budget airlines are operating from this airport, including AirAsia and Eastar Jet. To journey around, Taipei there is a very efficient, safe, and clean Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, which is called Metro Taipei. It has an extensive network and will get you to numerous areas around the city. Buses and taxis are also available. Buses are efficient and affordable, while taxis are the most flexible mode of transport.    

Visas in Taipei

Citizens of 66 countries, including all EU countries, Australia, and the US, do not need a visa to visit Taipei for up to 90 days. Visa on arrival is available for nationals of Turkey. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also provides an eVisa program for several countries, including the UAE and India.

Weather in Taipei

Summer (June to August) can be extremely hot and humid, with an average temperature of 27°C to 30°C. It is also the wet season and typhoons are a real possibility, rain decreases, and the temperature drops during autumn. Winter (December to February) is cold and dry, while spring is pleasant.  

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: The New Taiwanese Dollar (TWD) is the local currency and 1 USD is worth about 30 TWD.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are available in many parts of the city. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and upscale restaurants. It would be wise to always carry some cash. Tipping is not mandatory.
3. Local Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language and many people can speak English well. 
4. Local Culture and Religion: Buddhism and Taoism are the biggest religions, followed by Christianity, Yiguandao, and Tiandism. 
5. Public Holidays: Chinese New Year is the most important public holiday, which is celebrated for a week during February.