Frequently asked Questions

Is Allergy Common?

One out of every five pople in Spain have or will have an allergic disease in their life.


Is allergy growing?

It is growing, but there is not a definitive answer for this rise. Pollution, way of life and food habits may be the key.


What is exactly Allergy?

It is an abnormal reaction of the defense system of the body to harmless substances known as allergens. [Click here to read more].


What is an Allergen?

Allergens are substances (usually proteins) culprit of the allergic reaction.


Can Allergy be trasmited to my son?

Allergic patients may trasmit their descendants the tendency to become allergic. This tendency, along with an environmental exposition may lead to Allergy.
The general risk to become allergic is around 10-15%. If one of the parents suffers allergy, chances are up to 50% to suffer Allergy in the children, and up to 70% if both parents suffer Allergy.


Which are the commonest causes of Allergy in our area?

Half of the allergic patients in Andalucia suffer house dust mite allergy. The other half are allergic to pollen, mainly olive tree, grass pollen, wall pellitory and mugwort/goosefoot. An unique patient may be allergic to a few allergens.


Do patients get well with the rain?

The rain has an atmosphere cleaning effect, getting down to the ground the particles on the air, as pollen.


Should I stop my Allergy drugs if I get pregnant?

You should check your doctor if you suffer asthma and get pregnant. Stopping your current medication could be even more harmful both to the patient and the fetus. In the event of an asthma crisis it is very likely that the need of medicaction may be even bigger than maintenance treatment. Then it has no sense to stop your low dose preventive treatment and then need higher dosis in the crisis.


Can I have allergy to a raw food but tolerate it when cooked?

Theoreticalley the making of the food (as boiling, frying, etc) can alter the chemical structure of it. Nonetheles most of the time the protein responsible of the symptos is thermostable, meaning it can stand the temperature without loosing its allergenic ability.


Can I be allergic to penicillin if I had no problem with it previously?

Allergy develop with those allergens we get in touch with. During one of this contacts is when antibodies appear against the drug.


What age is better to do Allergy skin test to a baby?

There is no ideal age to make allergy skin test. Due to the baby state of develpment, to have a negative test does not rule out Allergy.


Is Allergy rising?

The number of allergic patient is growing, but there is not a clear explanation. Pollution, way of life and food may be implicated.


What are Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)?

Allergy shots (immunotherapy) is the only way to cure Allergy. They are administered in growing doses with the aim of tolerating this substance (pollen, house dust mite, bee venom, etc). Read more about them [here]


Who should get vaccinated?

Inmunotherapy may get the patient to stand during yeras or even all life long symtom-free without the need of drugs. In Spain it is estimated than some 400.000 patients use immunotherapy. The Allergist is the Allergy specialist to prescribe when and how the immunotherapy is best.


Are reallyantiallergic products (as cosmetics and hygiene products) useful?

The word “antiallergic” ("against Allergy") is incorrect to mention productos that do not cause Allergy. They should be termed as "hypoallergenic".