Pediatric Immunology and Allergic Diseases is a medical specialty that investigates congenital or acquired disorders of the immune system and allergic reactions and manages their diagnosis and treatment processes. This specialty comprehensively addresses not only common allergic diseases in children but also a wide range of health problems that arise from an underactive or overactive immune system.
What is Pediatric Immunology and Allergic Diseases?
Pediatric Immunology and Allergic Diseases is a medical specialty that focuses on immune system disorders and allergic diseases in children. This specialty evaluates the normal functioning of the immune system, the body's defense mechanisms against microorganisms and hypersensitivity reactions that develop in response to allergens.
Because the immune system continues to develop during childhood, certain infections, allergic symptoms and immune responses may present differently than they do in adults. The specialty of Pediatric Immunology and Allergic Diseases addresses these differences with a child-specific approach tailored to the pediatric age group.
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What Diseases Do Pediatric Immunology And Allergic Diseases Deal With?
The Department of Pediatric Immunology and Allergic Diseases is responsible for the diagnosis and follow-up of diseases that develop as a result of an underactive or overactive immune system in children. In this context, both congenital immune system disorders and allergic diseases triggered by environmental factors are evaluated in detail.
The main diseases treated in this department include:
Immune System Diseases (Primary Immunodeficiencies)
- Selective IgA deficiency: It is the most common immunodeficiency disorder and is characterized by an increased susceptibility to respiratory and gastrointestinal tract infections.
- Chronic granulomatous disease: It is characterized by frequent and severe infections due to the inability of immune cells to effectively eliminate microorganisms.
- Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID): It is a life-threatening disease in which the immune system is severely weakened and requires early diagnosis.
- Common variable immune deficiency (CVID): It is characterized by insufficient antibody production and leads to recurrent infections.
- Bruton agammaglobulinemia (related to X): It is a genetic disease seen in boys, in which antibody production is almost absent.
- Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS): It is characterized by the immune system attacking its own cells and enlargement of the lymph nodes.
- IPEX syndrome: It leads to the early onset of autoimmune diseases as a result of the immune system functioning uncontrollably.
- Hyper IgM syndrome: It is characterized by the inability of the immune system to produce different types of antibodies.
- DiGeorge syndrome: It is characterized by immune system problems associated with a developmental disorder of the thymus gland.
- Leukocyte adhesion defect: It leads to infections that do not heal because white blood cells cannot reach the site of infection.
- Complement system deficiencies: Susceptibility to infections develops due to the deficiency of an important part of the immune system.
- Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome: It is a genetic disease characterized by infections, bleeding tendency and eczema.
- Ataxia-telengiectasia: It is a complex disease characterized by neurological findings and immunodeficiency.
- Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH): It is a life-threatening condition characterized by severe inflammation resulting from overactivation of the immune system.
- Recurring and unexplained infections: Frequent conditions such as pneumonia, sinusitis or ear infections are evaluated in terms of immune system disorders.
- Latex allergy: Skin or respiratory reactions may occur after contact with products containing latex.
- Allergic conjunctivitis: It is an allergic condition characterized by itching, tearing and redness of the eyes.
- Eosinophilic diseases: It is a disease group that develop due to an increase in certain cells associated with allergic mechanisms.
Respiratory Tract Allergies
- Allergic asthma: It is characterized by shortness of breath, cough and wheezing due to narrowing and hypersensitivity of the airways.
- Allergic rhinitis: It causes runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion due to allergens such as pollen and house dust.
- Pollen allergy: It is an allergic condition, also known as hay fever, that increases especially during seasonal transitions.
- House dust mite allergy: It is a chronic respiratory sensitivity to microscopic organisms found in the home environment.
- Mold fungus allergy: It refers to allergic reactions that develop against mold spores found in humid environments.
- Animal hair (epithelial) allergy: It is a respiratory allergy that develops against skin flakes from animals such as cats and dogs.
- Allergic conjunctivitis: It may accompany respiratory allergies and is characterized by itchy, red and watery eyes.
Food Allergies
- Cow milk allergy: It is an allergy commonly seen in infancy that can cause digestive and skin-related symptoms.
- Nut, dried fruit and peanut allergy: It is a significant food allergy that can cause severe reactions and anaphylaxis.
- Fish and seafood allergy: It may present with rapidly developing allergic symptoms after consumption.
- Gluten allergy (wheat etc.): It refers to allergic reactions that develop in response to wheat and similar grains.
- Egg allergy: It is common in childhood and usually develops at an early age.
- Soy allergy: It may develop, especially in infants, after the introduction of alternative foods.
- Sesame allergy: It is a food allergy whose prevalence has increased in recent years and that can cause severe reactions.
- Fruit and vegetable allergies (oral allergy syndrome): Some raw fruit and vegetables can cause itching and burning inside the mouth.
Drug Allergies
- Penicillin and antibiotic allergy: It is one of the most common drug allergies and can range from rashes to severe allergic reactions.
- Painkiller allergy: It involves allergic reactions to aspirin and similar medications.
- Allergic reactions against vaccinations: They are allergic reactions that are rarely seen after vaccination but require evaluation.
- Anesthetic drug allergies: It may develop in response to medications used during surgical procedures.
Skin Allergies
- Urticaria (Hives): It is characterized by sudden onset of itchy swellings.
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema): It is a chronic allergic skin disease characterized by dryness and itching.
- Contact dermatitis (with contact): It occurs as a result of the skin coming into contact with an allergenic substance.
- Angioedema: It is characterized by sudden swelling in the deeper layers of the skin.
- Allergy against metals like nickel etc.: They are reactions that develop after contact with metals such as jewelry or buttons.
- Latex allergy: They are skin or systemic reactions that develop after contact with products such as gloves or balloons.
Bug Bite Allergies
Bee sting allergy: It can cause a range of reactions, from localized swelling to systemic reactions.
Allergy against other bug bites: They are allergic reactions that develop after contact with insects such as mosquitoes and ants.
Systemic Allergic Reactions
Anaphylaxis (Rapidly developing allergic shock): It is a life-threatening condition that may develop due to food, drugs or insect stings and requires emergency intervention.
What Tests Are Performed In Pediatric Immunology And Allergic Diseases Department?
Tests performed in the Pediatric Immunology and Allergic Diseases Department are used to accurately diagnose allergic diseases and immune system disorders. These tests are planned according to the child’s symptoms, clinical findings and medical history and are evaluated under different categories.
Allergy Tests
- Skin prick test : It quickly shows allergic sensitivity to pollen, house dust mites, mold, animal dander and foods through the skin.
- Intradermal test: It is an advanced skin test in which the allergen is injected under the skin to obtain more sensitive results.
- Patch test: It helps identify the responsible substance in contact allergies such as contact dermatitis.
- Specific IgE in blood test: It measures the immune system’s response to specific allergens through a blood test.
- Total IgE test: It is a blood test that provides information about the body's general allergic predisposition.
- Molecular allergy tests: It provides a more detailed and targeted assessment by analyzing the components of allergens.
Respiratory Function Tests
- Respiratory function test (RFT): It helps in the diagnosis of asthma by measuring lung capacity and airway obstruction.
- Bronchodilator response test: It shows whether asthma is reversible by evaluating improvement in the airways after medication.
- FeNO test: It provides information about airway inflammation by measuring nitric oxide levels in exhaled air.
Food and Drug Allergy Tests
- Food loading test (oral provocation): It is a test in which a suspected food is administered under controlled conditions to confirm whether an allergy is present.
- Drug provocation test: It allows the suspected drug to be safely tested in cases of suspected drug allergy.
Immunology Tests
- Immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE): It evaluates the immune system’s ability to produce antibodies.
- IgG subgroup tests: It investigates the cause of recurrent infections by identifying deficiencies in antibody subgroups.
- Vaccine antibody response tests: It shows whether an adequate immune response has been generated to administered vaccines.
- Lymphocyte subgroup analysis: It evaluates immunodeficiencies by examining the number and distribution of T, B and NK cells.
- Complement system tests: It measures the function of the complement system, one of the key defense mechanisms of the immune system.
- Neutrophil function tests: It evaluates the ability of immune cells to fight microbes.
General Blood and Supportive Tests
Complete blood count: It shows the general status of cells related to infection and allergy.
Eosinophil count: It determines the levels of cells that increase in allergic diseases and certain parasitic conditions.
Advanced Diagnostic Tests
Genetic Tests: It is used in the final diagnosis of congenital immune system diseases.
What Treatments Are Applied In Pediatric Immunology And Allergic Diseases Department?
Treatments performed in the Pediatric Immunology and Allergic Diseases Department are planned according to the child’s diagnosis, age, severity of symptoms and the course of the disease. The aim of this department is to control allergic symptoms, manage immune system-related problems, prevent attacks and improve the child’s quality of life.
Treatments For Allergic Diseases
- Allergen avoidance therapy: It includes measures aimed at avoiding allergens such as pollen, house dust mites, mold, animal dander or foods that cause allergic reactions.
- Antihistaminic treatments: It helps reduce allergic symptoms such as itching, sneezing, a runny nose and urticaria.
- Nasal spray treatments: It is used to control nasal congestion and runny nose in allergic rhinitis.
- Eyedrop treatments: It relieves itching and redness of the eyes in allergic conjunctivitis.
- Asthma inhaler treatments: It reduces airway narrowing, making breathing easier and helping to prevent asthma attacks.
- Nebule treatments: In young children, it helps deliver medications via inhalation, contributing to the relief of the airways and improved breathing.
- Atopic dermatitis treatments: Eczema is controlled with moisturizers that strengthen the skin barrier and with medicated creams.
- Urticaria and angioedema treatments: Medications are used to reduce itching and swelling attacks.
- Anaphylaxis emergency treatment: For rapid intervention in cases of anaphylactic shock, an epinephrine auto-injector is prescribed and an emergency action plan is established.
Treatments For Food And Drug Allergies
- Food elimination treatment: Symptoms are controlled by eliminating the food that causes the allergy from the diet.
- Food tolerance follow-up: Controlled follow-up is performed to evaluate whether the allergy decreases over time.
- Safe nutrition plan: A balanced diet with alternative foods is provided to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
- Drug allergy management: The medication causing the allergy is avoided and safe alternatives are identified.
- Desensitization treatment: If necessary, controlled desensitization to certain medications may be performed.
Immunotherapy (Allergy Vaccine) Treatments
- Allergy vaccine (Immunotherapy): It involves the controlled administration of allergens to reduce the immune system’s exaggerated response to them.
- Sublingual immunotherapy: It is a long-term treatment method in which the allergen is administered under the tongue in the form of drops or tablets.
- Subcutaneous immunotherapy: It is administered as injections at regular intervals to help the immune system develop tolerance.
Treatments For Immune System Diseases
- Immunoglobulin replacement treatment: Immunoglobulin is administered intravenously or subcutaneously to support immunity in children with antibody deficiency.
- Prophylactic antibiotic treatment: It helps prevent infections in children who experience frequent infections.
- Infection Treatments: Developing infections are treated early with appropriate medications.
- Vaccination planning: A special vaccination schedule is arranged for children with immune system disorders.
- Immunomodulator treatments: Medications are used to help restore balance in cases where the immune system is either overactive or underactive.
- Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: It can be used as a definitive treatment option in some severe immunodeficiencies.
Which Hospitals Have Pediatric Immunology And Allergic Diseases Department?
Medipol Hospitals that have Pediatric Immunology and Allergic Diseases Department are listed below:
- Bağcılar Medipol Mega University Hospital
- Bahçelievler Medipol Hospital
- MEDİPOL Acıbadem District Hospital
- Sefaköy Medipol University Hospital
