Allergology in Tel Aviv

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 Tel Aviv?

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 Tel Aviv 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 Tel Aviv

About Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv-Yafo commonly referred to as just Tel Aviv, is the economic and technological center of Israel. Located on the Israeli Mediterranean coastline, the city is popular for its glimmering beaches, creative culture, non-stop nightlife, and architectural heritage. As Israel is becoming a popular medical tourism hub, thousands of medical tourists who seek medical treatments in this country choose Tel Aviv as their destination. The city’s medical system, as well as its doctors and medical professionals, are world-renowned. It boasts some of the finest medical centers, staffed with highly trained doctors and nurses. International tourists looking for world-class, innovative medical treatments can get any procedure they need for a fraction of the cost they would have to pay in their home countries.

Popular Parts of Tel Aviv

There’s no shortage of activities in Tel Aviv. With at least 300 days of sun per year, this hip and bustling city offer shimmering beaches for any sun-chaser. Gordon Beach is one of the most popular in the city. It boasts clear blue waters, volleyball courts, and a boardwalk full of restaurants serving fresh fish and Israeli cuisine. Besides the beaches, visitors usually go to the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. This impressive gallery is set inside the modern ‘envelope’ building by American architect Preston Scott Cohen. The museum provides a lot of activities and collections to see, but the highlight is the collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist art, which features works by Pissarro, Renoir, Monet, Picasso, Van Gogh, and many more. Visitors who want to relax can visit Park HaYarkon, which is the city’s largest green space.

Transport in Tel Aviv

International tourists will arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, which is located 20 kilometers southeast of Tel Aviv. It serves flights to and from many cities around the world, including Seoul, Amsterdam, New York, and Beijing. The city’s relatively new overground railway system is the most affordable and easiest way to get around. Buses are available, but the routes can be a bit confusing. Taxis are widely available around the city and they are easy, albeit expensive, way to get around. 

Visas in Tel Aviv

Holders of passports issued by 99 countries, including all EU countries, Canada, Russia, and the US can enter and stay in the country for up to 3 months without a visa. Most other nationals are required to obtain a visa prior to arrival and are recommended to contact their nearest embassy of Israel as some countries need a confirmation from the Israeli government before a tourist visa is issued.

Weather in Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv experience a typical Mediterranean climate. The winters are rainy and the summers are hot. The temperatures in the summer (June to August) can rise to 31°C - 34°C and the humidity can reach over 80%. Spring and fall have pleasant weather since the temperatures are not too high or low. 

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: New Israeli Shekel (ILS) is the official currency. 1 USD will get you approx. 3.5 ILS.
2. Money & Payments: It’s easy to find ATMs around the city. Credit cards are widely accepted. Tipping is common, but typically not expected.
3. Local Language: Hebrew is the official language, while Arabic has a special status as a semi-official language. Most people can speak English fairly well.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Most of the population adheres to Judaism. Islam is the largest minority religion in the city, followed by Christianity.
5. Public Holidays: The city celebrates several public holidays, such as Independence Day, Hanukkah, and Jerusalem Day.