Allergology in Tunis

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 Tunis?

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 Tunis 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 Tunis

About Tunis

Tunis is the capital and the largest city of Tunisia and is the center of government and administration as well as the center of commercial and cultural activities. It is divided into two parts, the old city known as Medina and the new city or Ville nouvelle. Even though it is located on the southern shores of the Mediterranean Sea, the city does not have many beaches. Still, it has managed to attract millions of tourists in 2018 thanks to its rich history displayed in numerous ancient buildings. These buildings have an enchanting blend of North African and French Architecture that will leave anyone in awe. Many tourists come to see the Roman ruins of Carthage or to stroll around and shop in the Medina.

Tunis is known to have a high standard of healthcare, which attracts an increasing number of medical tourists each year. Many of the medical tourists come from other African countries that have an inferior healthcare system. However, the city’s excellent reputation in cosmetic surgery and dental treatment appeal to many patients from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The private medical centers are armed with the best equipment and English speaking staff. The Tunisian Ministry of Health regulates cosmetic and plastic surgeons to ensure that there is a high standard. In addition to exceptional healthcare, Tunis also offer attractive prices for medical treatment and the cost of living. 

Popular Areas in Tunis

Although it is the largest city in Tunisia, Tunis can feel like a compact city and can be explored on foot. The city has a number of famous attractions that are always packed with tourists.

• Carthage was founded in the 9th century BC and was once a powerful empire of the Mediterranean as well as home to a wonderful civilization before being destroyed by the Romans in the Third Punic War. It was then to become an important Christian center until the Islamic invaders destroyed it. Today, the ruins have become a UNESCO World Heritage Site that tourists can visit.   
• The Medina in Tunis is one of the most remarkable medieval medinas in North Africa. There are over 700 monuments within the area, from mosques to madrassas to historical places. It is easy to get lost in the impressive maze-like alleyways, but tourists are encouraged to admire the Islamic architecture and art or learn more about the city’s history. Tourists can also shop in one of the souqs selling everything from shisha pipes to shoes or enjoy one of the cafes.
• Sidi Bou Saïd is a picturesque cliff-top village with cobbled streets, blue-and-white walls, and glimpses of pristine blue waters. It is probably one of the most beautiful places in Tunisia. The beautiful architecture is a blend of the Ottoman and the Andalusian. It is now a sleepy fishing village perfect for anyone who wants to get away from busy city life. The village has been a gateway for artists, bohemians, and pilgrimage for centuries.
• Bardo Museum is the second-largest museum in Africa and the main attraction of this museum is the ancient Roman mosaics recovered from Carthage. The museum also exhibits Greek statues, artifacts of the region’s Berber, and the accomplishments of the Islamic culture in the country. Other than the exhibitions, the building itself is decorated in impressive historic Islamic decorative arts.

Weather and Climate in Tunis

Tunis has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate meaning the city enjoys warm and sunny weather all year round. The summer can be hot and dry because rain is very rare and the summer usually lasts from June to August and the average temperature is around 25 °C but can get as high as 40 °C. July and August are the high tourist season, especially at the beach resorts. The city begins to get rain in autumn, often accompanied by a short thunderstorm. The winter is the wettest season of the year because it can rain every two or three days and the temperature can drop to 7 °C in the morning and 16 °C in the afternoon. The rainfall decreases in spring, and in March, the temperature ranges between 8 °C to 24 °C and the sunshine usually becomes dominant in May.

Getting Around in Tunis

Tunis-Carthage International Airport is the main airport in Tunisia and the airport connects Tunis with other cities in the country as well as the rest of the world as it serves flights to and from the Middle East, Africa, and major Europeans countries. It is the hub for Tunisair, Tunisair Express, and Nouvelair, but there are not many budget airlines operating flights from the airport. To get to the city center from the airport, tourists can opt for a taxi or bus. The bus is operated by the SNT bus line and departs every 30 minutes. It is very affordable with a single ticket costing less than 1 TND. There is also a more luxurious and expensive bus line known as the TUT bus and the bus departs every 15 minutes. If you want a more private mode of transportation use an airport taxis and they are usually metered.

Tourists have plenty of options to get around Tunis. There is a tram system in the city with inexpensive tickets, usually around .48 TND. However, be aware that it can be packed during the rush hours. Taxis are a good option to get around, the taxis are metered, and the base fare is around .4 TND but can be much more expensive if you hail one off the street. 

Tourist Visas in Tunis

Nationals of 97 countries including Australia, China, Singapore, the United States, and Russia can enter and stay in Tunis for up to 90 days without a visa. Other nationalities not listed in the visa exemption agreement are advised to check at their nearest Tunisia embassy or consulate. The country provides an online visa application to simplify the process of obtaining a visa to enter the country.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: Tunisian dinar (TND) is the official currency of Tunisia. 1 USD will get you 2.61 TND. 
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widespread in Tunis. Credit Cards, particularly MasterCard and Visa, are accepted in most top-end restaurants, hotels, and shops. Tipping is by no means mandatory but will be greatly appreciated.
3. Local Language: Arabic is the official language and French is very common. English is not widely spoken except in tourist areas and hospitals.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Most of the population follows Islam, but there are small groups of Christian and Jews.
5. Public Holidays: The city celebrates major nationals and Islamic holidays such as Independence Day, Eid Al-Fitr, and Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday.