What symptoms should you contact an immunologist for?

The immune system is very important for humans because it protects the body from various diseases. But sometimes it is she who needs protection, especially when the immune system is weakened and does not do its job well. Any disturbances in the functioning of the immune system must be promptly identified and treated so that the unprotected body does not fall under the influence of dangerous diseases.

Profession doctor immunologist

An immunologist deals with diseases of the immune system, their diagnosis and prevention.

If the protective system is malfunctioning, you should contact a specialist to find out the cause of the disease and eliminate it without waiting for complications to develop.

The first warning sign of problems with immunity are frequent illnesses, primarily colds, infectious diseases, disorders, and more.

In addition to treatment, an immunologist is directly involved in the development of vaccines, inoculations, and also carries out preventive measures among the population to strengthen the immune system.

Diseases that an immunologist specializes in

The human defense system is closely connected with many organs, and any disruptions in its functioning negatively affect the general state of health. The competence of an immunologist includes the following groups of diseases:

• Various types of allergic reactions (to insect bites, food, pollen or medications).
• Diseases of unknown origin.
• Disorders of the genitourinary system.
• Fungal diseases.
• Infectious diseases that develop against the background of hepatitis, HIV or AIDS.
• Purulent diseases that often recur.
• Neoplasms of a benign nature that can degenerate into malignant (cancer).
• Frequent viral diseases.
• Bronchial asthma.
• Dysbacteriosis.
• Chronic itching of the skin.
• Conjunctivitis.

In what cases should you contact an immunologist?

A consultation with an immunologist is necessary if you often suffer from colds, your general health has deteriorated significantly, and other specialists (therapist or doctor of another profile) cannot establish an accurate diagnosis and, accordingly, select treatment. It is imperative to consult an immunologist if the following symptoms appear:

• Unreasonable slight increase in body temperature, which is observed throughout the week.
• Fatigue, general weakness of the body.
• Skin rashes, itching sensation.
• Constant drowsiness or, conversely, insomnia, which torments for quite a long time.
• Frequent colds that are protracted.
• Purulent diseases of the nasopharynx, oral cavity, or herpes appear.
• Disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract (constipation or disorders, nausea, vomiting).
• Significant deviations in all indicators in the general blood test (it does not matter whether all data are increased or decreased).
• Lack of proper body response to taking antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral drugs.

Diagnostic methods used by an immunologist

In order for the doctor to be able to accurately establish the diagnosis that provoked the disruption of the protective system, he prescribes the following tests and diagnostic methods:

• Conducting general tests and special biochemical tests, which are carried out in specialized laboratories. Depending on the manifestation of signs, the immunologist can prescribe tests for the presence of autoimmunological diseases, rheumatoid tests, diagnosis of celiac disease, and general indicators of immunity.
• Carrying out tests for allergens (this way you can identify the presence of an allergic reaction to a specific group of food products, household chemicals, pollen, etc.).
• Conducting a stool test for dysbacteriosis.
• Study of interferon and immune status.
• Taking scrapings from the tongue, ear canal and tonsils to determine fungal mycelium.
• Carrying out an electrocardiogram, measuring pulse rate, heart contractions; blood pressure measurement. Additionally, ultrasound, x-rays and other diagnostic procedures may be performed that the immunologist deems necessary.

Advice from an immunologist

In modern conditions, which are not very favorable for a healthy human life, special attention should be paid to the immune system and general health.

The body's defense is affected by unfavorable environmental conditions, consumption of often low-quality food, fast food products, and frequent nervous stress and anxiety.

In order to keep the immune system as healthy as possible, you need to follow some recommendations from an immunologist:

• Lead the healthiest lifestyle possible, exercise regularly, give up bad habits.
• Review your diet and make it as beneficial as possible for the body.
• Avoid stressful situations, nervous disorders and worries.
• Make sure you get adequate sleep, at least eight hours a day.
• Ensure that the body receives the necessary vitamins and microelements. If it is not possible to replenish the supply naturally (through food), you should contact a specialist who will prescribe the most effective vitamin complex suitable for the individual patient.
• Carry out vaccinations and vaccinations that will help develop immunity against very dangerous diseases.

Source: https://24doctor.info/speciality/immunolog/

Immunologist

An immunologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats diseases caused by disorders of the human immune system.

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An immunologist treats patients with frequent colds and infectious diseases, immunodeficiency conditions, and the presence of a variety of allergic reactions. In addition, immunologists are involved in the prevention of these diseases and take part in the development of various vaccines.

The field of activity of an immunologist includes not only the immune system, but also lymph nodes and blood vessels.

An immunologist treats allergic diseases:

• Seasonal and year-round allergic rhinitis (hay fever), in which an immediate allergic reaction occurs as a result of allergens entering the nasal mucosa. As a result of inflammation of the mucous membrane, it swells, and the patient begins to have a runny nose, sneezing and itching. With seasonal rhinitis, the attack lasts several hours after contact with the allergen, and with year-round rhinitis, it lasts several days. An allergen can be plant pollen, dust, animal fur, etc.
• Allergic conjunctivitis, characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva (the membrane that covers the white part of the eye). In most cases, allergic conjunctivitis is associated with allergic rhinitis (the allergen enters the body through the nose).
• Bronchial asthma, which occurs against the background of narrowing of the lumen of the bronchi (obstruction). This inflammatory disease is chronic and is manifested by episodic shortness of breath, wheezing and a feeling of chest congestion, as well as cough. Bronchial obstruction develops under the influence of specific immunological (allergy and sensitization) and nonspecific mechanisms.
• The asthmatic triad, which is a combination of bronchial asthma, recurrent polypous rhinosinusitis and intolerance to acetylsalicylic acid and pyrazolone drugs. Bronchospasm, which in this pathology is not associated with immunological mechanisms, is caused by taking acetylsalicylic acid, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, mixtures containing acetylsalicylic acid or analgin, as well as by eating food containing tartrazine (yellow food coloring E102, chemical structure similar to aspirin ). Tartrazine may be included in tablets (no-spa, tavegil, etc.).
• Acute and chronic recurrent urticaria. In the acute form of the disease, which occurs when allergens enter the body, an itchy, nettle-like rash suddenly appears. Elements of the rash of different sizes are located mainly on the body and extremities (possible damage to the mucous membranes), and can merge into large spots. There is general malaise, possible fever, chills, and gastrointestinal disorders. The rash in most cases lasts no more than 2 hours. In the chronic form of the disease, which develops as a result of prolonged sensitization and the presence in the body of foci of chronic infection or pathology of internal organs, the rashes are less abundant and are observed in different parts of the body. General weakness, headache and fever, and joint pain may be present. If mucosal lesions are present, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea occur. The rash is accompanied by painful itching.
• Quincke's edema (giant urticaria or angioedema). With this disease, limited swelling of the skin or swelling of the mucous and subcutaneous fatty tissue suddenly develops, the skin in the affected areas becomes white (sometimes pink) and tightly elastic. In most cases there are no subjective sensations, sometimes itching is possible. With swelling of the larynx, stenosis is often observed, and asphyxia is possible. The swelling, which is usually of an allergic nature, lasts for several hours or days, and relapse is possible.
• Food allergies, which in most cases are an allergic reaction to protein and less often to fats and carbohydrates. With a true food allergy, which is usually a hereditary pathology, the immune system perceives a protein that does not pose a threat to the body as an infectious agent (if the immune system is not involved in the process, we are talking about food intolerance).
• Cold allergy is the body's response to exposure to cold temperatures. When exposed to cold air, some people release histamine, which causes the same reaction as exposure to an allergen. In patients, blood vessels dilate, swelling develops, and there is redness and itching of the skin in the affected areas.
• Drug (drug) allergy, which is a reaction of the immune system to certain drugs or substances included in these drugs. Occurs only when reintroduced into the body. An allergic reaction can be acute (appears immediately after taking the drug), subacute (appears within 24 hours after taking the drug) and delayed (appears several days later). May be accompanied by allergic vasculitis, arthralgia, polyarthritis, lymphadenopathy, nephritis and allergic hepatitis.

The immunologist also treats:

• Allergic manifestations to insect bites (an allergic reaction is most often caused by wasps, bees and other stinging insects, and less often by blood-sucking insects).
• Contact allergic dermatitis, which manifests itself as damage to the skin due to direct contact of the skin with the allergen.
• Toxic-allergic reactions, which are a systemic reaction of the body to exposure to an allergic or toxic factor. The mechanisms of development can be immune or non-immune, the clinical picture resembles allergic urticaria, erythema multiforme or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
• Serum sickness, which is a reaction of the immune system to the introduction of foreign proteins that are part of tetanus serum and other vaccines.

In addition to allergic diseases, an immunologist treats:

• chronic skin itching (observed for more than 6 weeks), which accompanies skin and systemic diseases;
• atopic dermatitis - chronic dermatitis of an allergic nature, observed in individuals with a genetic predisposition to the synthesis of specific antibodies;
• seborrheic dermatitis - inflammation of areas of the skin in areas where the sebaceous glands are located as a result of excessive colonization of the fungus malassezia furfur.;
• chronic eczema of the hands and feet;
• furunculosis and other recurrent skin diseases of a pustular nature;
• dysbacteriosis of the oral mucosa, intestines and genital organs, which manifests itself in the form of recurrent aphthous stomatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, recurrent colpitis or balanoposthitis.

An immunologist also treats:

• attacks of suffocation and prolonged chronic cough for no apparent reason;
• frequent (more than 4-6 times a year) bacterial and viral infections;
• chronic obstructive bronchitis;
• chronic recurrent diseases of the ENT organs (pharyngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis and otitis);
• chronic recurrent herpesvirus infection (herpes simplex virus types I and II, herpes zoster, CMV, Epstein-Barr virus, herpesvirus types VI and VII);
• lymphadenitis and lymphadenopathy of unknown origin;
• fever and low-grade fever of unknown etiology;
• chronic fatigue syndrome.

• An immunologist also deals with the treatment of secondary immunodeficiency, which is caused by chronic viral hepatitis B and C, psoriasis, lichen planus, recurrent urogenital papillomatosis and other chronic infectious and inflammatory diseases.
• Similar diseases in children are treated by a pediatric immunologist.
• Consultation with an immunologist is necessary if the patient has:

• runny nose (rhinitis) not associated with infectious diseases;
• dermatitis, which occurs after eating certain foods and is accompanied by rash and itching;
• discomfort in the mouth or throat, which is accompanied by swelling, asthma attacks, vomiting or diarrhea, as well as skin rashes;
• symptoms reminiscent of acute respiratory viral infection, but not associated with an infectious disease;
• prolonged enlargement of lymph nodes;
• regular acute respiratory viral infections, bronchitis, rhinitis, tonsillitis, and chronic diseases often worsen.

A pediatric immunologist is a doctor who identifies the cause of a child’s immune system disorder and selects methods for correcting immunity on an individual basis.

Pediatric immunologist

You should contact a pediatric immunologist if your child has:

• there are long-term infectious diseases that become chronic and accompanied by complications that do not respond to conventional treatment;
• recurrent aphthous stomatitis is observed;
• toxoplasmosis, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus infection or fungal infections were detected;
• allergic reactions are present;
• lymph nodes are enlarged for a long time;
• periodic rises in temperature are often observed or the elevated temperature persists for a long period;
• There were complications after vaccination.

Consultation with an immunologist is also indicated after severe infections (meningitis, abscess, pneumonia, etc.) and long-term treatment with antibiotics.

Consultation is the initial stage of diagnostic measures to identify disturbances in the functioning of the body’s immune system.

During the first consultation, the immunologist:

• Examines the patient's medical history and clarifies complaints (during the conversation, the likelihood of the influence of a hereditary factor, diet and lifestyle, nature of the profession, etc. is clarified).
• Conducts a general examination to identify skin changes and determine the condition of the mucous membranes and lymph nodes. Temperature, blood pressure, height and weight are also measured, external respiration is examined, etc.

Based on the results of the examination and medical history, the immunologist develops a plan for further examination of the patient.

The immunologist refers the patient to:

• immunogram, which is a comprehensive study of the main indicators of the immune system (number, functional ability and percentage of leukocytes, cellular immunity, humoral immunity, etc.);
• skin testing with various types of allergens using the prick or prick method;
• allergy test using special plates with allergens applied to them (detects contact allergic dermatitis to common allergens);
• cytological examination of scrapings for fungi (scrapings are taken from the oral cavity and from the skin of the external auditory canal);
• stool analysis, revealing dysbacteriosis and sensitivity to bacteriophages;
• blood cultures, skin, nose, etc. to determine flora and sensitivity to antibiotics and bacteriophages;
• comprehensive diagnosis of drug allergies (application, oral, prick or intradermal tests or TTEEL test);
• determination of specific IgE to causally significant allergens;
• accurate allergy diagnosis of food allergies using serum or blood plasma.

The immunologist also prescribes a PCR test to detect bacterial, viral, mycoplasma and parasitic infections, as well as computer spirometry using samples that help identify hidden bronchospasm.

Based on the results of the examination, the immunologist prescribes treatment on an individual basis.

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An infectious disease specialist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of infectious diseases.

A urologist is a specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases of the human urinary system and retroperitoneal space, as well as the male reproductive system.

Source: https://liqmed.ru/doctor/immunolog/

Questions for an immunologist

Since childhood, we have been surrounded by doctors - we turn to them for preventive examinations, necessary certificates, during illness and malaise. But among the usual and familiar therapists, ophthalmologists and otolaryngologists from childhood, there are specialists whom you rarely need to contact.

And therefore a lot of questions are associated with them. In what cases can such a doctor help? When should you contact him and how to prepare for the examination?

In this article, we will answer common questions related to immunology specialists.

Who is an immunologist?

An immunologist diagnoses and treats diseases of the immune system - organs that protect the body from external destructive factors. Allergy sufferers and frequently ill people turn to immunologists.

They also deal with problems with antibodies and their production in the body, deal with autoimmune processes, when the body begins to attack its own cells, and advise on prevention and strengthening of the immune system.

An annual consultation with an immunologist is not vital, but useful. To prevent immune system diseases from occurring, these experts recommend the following.

1. Avoid stress, excessive physical and nervous stress, prevent overstrain at work and in your personal life. Spending one day working overtime is not scary in itself, but make it part of your daily regimen along with coffee, energizing drinks and energy drinks - and the immune system will make itself felt.
2. Do not self-medicate; if you feel unwell, be sure to contact a professional doctor and be treated according to their recommendations. Due to improper treatment, you will not only recover later than you could, but you may also easily not complete the treatment, which in itself will be a blow to the body and cause complications and recurrent illnesses.
3. Eat well and sleep. If you do not get enough nutrients, the result will not be so much a slim body, but problems with skin and hair, a constant tendency to colds, skin irritations, and gastroenterological diseases. And lack of sleep leads to rapid fatigue and, as a result, the same excess stress. Of course, life circumstances are different, but it’s time to look for outside help if you find yourself in a situation where there is not enough time for sleep and food.
4. Know the norm in alcohol, avoid drugs. This recommendation is certainly familiar to anyone who has ever talked to doctors about their lifestyle. And if you can hear different opinions about alcoholic drinks, especially when it comes to small doses, then drugs are a clear taboo for the human body.
5. Be in the fresh air, ventilate work and home areas. If you work in a stuffy, dusty office, you are more likely to develop allergies or immune diseases, especially if you are forced to stay there for long periods of time without breaks.

When should you contact an immunologist?

As a rule, people turn to an immunologist not for a preventive examination, but to diagnose an existing condition. In particular, you should contact this specialist if you notice several symptoms from the following list and an examination by a therapist has not yielded any results.

• Sleep disorders. You have trouble falling asleep and getting up in the morning, you feel exhausted even after what seems like a good night’s sleep, and you often wake up at night.
• Digestive disorders. Heaviness in the stomach, bloating, and intestinal problems in themselves usually indicate a problem of a gastroenterological nature. But in combination with other symptoms they can signal a more general disease, so it makes sense to turn to immunology.
• Fever. If a temperature of 37-38 degrees persists for a long time and is in no way associated with colds or inflammatory diseases, that is, there is no pain or runny nose, this is a clear sign of problems with the immune system. In addition, if you notice a cold or acute respiratory viral infection that does not go away for weeks and does not respond to treatment prescribed by your therapist, you also need to contact an immunologist.
• Aches in joints and bones, headaches, back pain.
• Skin rashes of the herpes type, itching, redness, flaky skin - all this is a reason to consult a dermatologist and immunologist; Even if the first specialist helps relieve disturbing symptoms, the immunologist is more likely to notice the root cause of skin problems.
• Chronic fatigue. If you regularly feel low on energy, don't blame yourself for laziness and procrastination, as is common in today's high-speed world. Even if it seems that there was nothing to get tired of, such a reaction of the body to small loads indicates a hidden disease, and not your moral qualities.

If you are facing complex treatment, including invasive (major surgery), or are recovering from such treatment, or are waiting for an extensive blood transfusion or transplant, consultation and observation of an immunologist is also vital.

Finally, if possible, undergo a preventive examination with an immunologist every 12-18 months. Regular visits to this doctor are not as often recommended as a visit to a dentist, andrologist or gynecologist, or ophthalmologist, but you should not neglect them.

The fact is that pathologies of the immune system, like many others, respond well to treatment or correction at an early stage, when there are no obvious symptoms yet. Preventative screenings will help identify them when non-invasive and effective treatment is possible.

What tests should I take?

A visit to an immunologist does not require any special preparation. And the doctor will prescribe tests based on the results of a personal conversation and the anamnesis collected during it. But there is something you can do: come to your appointment with an up-to-date biochemical blood test and check your HIV status in advance - the latter will be useful outside of your appointment with an immunologist.

Most likely, you will also be prescribed an immunogram, but you should not specifically undergo it before talking with a specialist.

In order for the analysis to give an adequate result from which any conclusions can be drawn, a certain time must pass from the last illness, taking a number of medications, immunostimulating drugs, and other medical examinations.

Based on the results of the conversation, your attending physician will be able to suggest the most appropriate time for an immunogram. You, in turn, risk making mistakes and doing the analysis in vain.

Finally, based on the results of the first examinations, the immunologist may suggest a tomography or x-ray based on his assumptions about the final diagnosis, or send you to a related specialist.

What organs does an immunologist work with?

The human immune system consists of several organs located throughout the body, lymph nodes and a complex circulatory system that connects them all into a single apparatus. Thus, professional immunologists treat and prevent diseases of both individual organs and the fluid circulating through the system - lymph.

More specifically, the immunologist will be primarily interested in the condition of the following organs:

• tonsils - formations of lymphoid tissue located on the side of the pharynx;
• spleen - an organ in the abdominal cavity that produces lymphocytes, filters and renews blood, and stores blood cells;
• thymus - a small gland located in the center of the neck, responsible for increasing the number of lymphoid cells;
• Peyer's patches - formations of lymphoid tissue in the appendix;
• bone marrow - a special tissue inside the bones that is responsible for the production of blood cells;
• lymph nodes - formations scattered throughout the body that contain a large number of lymphocytes.

Techniques used

The human immune system is complex: it includes dozens of lymph nodes, a branched circulatory system, several organs arranged differently and tissues present throughout the body. That is why immunologists use very different examination and diagnostic methods in treatment.

The most common occurrences in medical practice are:

• skin testing, which is carried out in order to identify a specific allergen: the doctor applies known allergens to small scratches or punctures of the skin and records the reaction to each of them;
• mucosal smear analysis;
• An antibody test is a special blood test, which from the patient’s perspective is not very different from any other blood draw from a vein.

What pathologies does an immunologist treat?

If you have not only the symptoms listed above, but also a diagnosis confirmed by another specialist, you should still contact an immunologist. Perhaps this specialist will help determine the root cause of your disease or recommend more effective treatment, taking into account the individual characteristics of your immunity.

We list those diagnoses for which it is advisable to see an immunologist.

• Any seasonal diseases - allergic urticaria and rhinitis, skin irritations, colds that recur from year to year.
• Allergic reactions to specific irritants that occur regardless of the season. The form of the reaction is not important; the immunologist will help with cough and eye irritation.
• Chronic colds, respiratory infections, asthma, problems with mucous membranes.
• Chronic or regularly occurring inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs: rhinitis, otitis, sinusitis.
• Pathologies of the lymphatic system, diseases of the lymph nodes (not only chronic, but also acute inflammation), complications after long-term treatment.
• Diagnosed autoimmune disease.

Of course, even the best immunologist will not be able to guarantee complete healing, especially if we are talking about a serious condition. But a visit to this specialist will provide you with new information and help you look at the situation from a different angle.

In particular, immunologists are able to assess the state of the body and its ability to recover as a whole, without limiting their vision to a specific disease or set of symptoms. This approach has a greater chance of success: if not a complete recovery, then a significant improvement in the quality of life.

Source: https://questions.gooddoc.ru/immunologu/

Immunologist

Who is an Immunologist?

An immunologist is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the human immune system.

This system controls physiological reactions, protects the entire body from aggressive external influences and ensures the safe functioning of the circulatory system.

Disruption of the system has consequences of varying degrees of complexity: from frequent colds to HIV infection.

A consultation with an immunologist will not hurt a healthy person. And with symptoms of chronic fatigue against the background of a general weakening of the immune system, it becomes necessary. In addition to general pathologies, an immunologist helps patients prone to allergy attacks and treats immunodeficiency. Immunodeficiency conditions are divided into primary (caused by genetic disorders), secondary and systemic.

What is the competence of an Immunologist?

Specialists in this profile conduct an initial examination, carefully study the medical history, prescribe a targeted or complex diagnosis, a course of treatment, select medications and give subsequent recommendations. The immunologist's area of ​​expertise is at a very high level.

What diseases does an Immunologist deal with?

• A group of seasonal allergic diseases: hay fever, seasonal rhinitis, urticaria, conjunctivitis caused by pollen;
• A group of persistent allergic diseases: chronic rhinitis, conjunctivitis caused by house dust, chronic skin itching, contact dermatitis, cold allergy, food intolerance;
• Reactions to toxins, medications and equipment, insect bites, serum sickness;
• Diseases of the respiratory tract and their complications: bronchial asthma, Quincke's edema, asthmatic triad (reaction to analgesics in progressive asthma and polypous rhinosinusitis), suffocation and causeless chronic cough, chronic bronchitis, recurrent acute respiratory viral infections;
• Skin diseases: seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, recurrent pustular diseases;
• Diseases of the mucous membrane of the mouth, intestines, genital organs: stomatitis, colpitis;
• Chronic ENT diseases: otitis media, pharyngitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis and their complications;
• Diseases caused by herpes virus infections: herpes simplex and complex viruses, herpes zoster, Epstein-Barr infection;
• A state of secondary immunodeficiency with frequent infectious and inflammatory processes or viral hepatitis;
• Autoimmune diseases: scleroderma, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and others;
• Complications of immunity after strong technogenic exposure or radiation and chemical therapy in the treatment of cancer;
• Pathologies of the lymphatic system, inflammation of the lymph nodes;
• Treatment of diseases that at first glance are not related to pathologies of the immune system.

The help of an immunologist is required for any chronic diseases of unknown origin. Any frequently recurring disease that progresses despite its treatment requires diagnosis by an immunologist. Consultation with a doctor is required in some cases for blood transfusions, organ transplants, and chronic infertility. At risk are the elderly, pregnant women and newborns.

What organs does the Immunologist deal with?

The organs of the immune system include:

• Bone marrow;
• thymus;
• spleen;
• tonsils and lymph nodes;
• peripheral lymphatic system (vessels and capillaries).

They all have a complex interaction, the structure is not much simpler than the human nervous system.

When should you contact an immunologist?

The reason for contacting may be indirect and obvious signs of decreased immunity:

• sleep and digestive disorders;
• rapid loss of strength;
• chronic fatigue;
• migraine;
• aching joints and muscle cramps;
• subfebrile temperature at 37-38 degrees;
• frequent herpes and purulent rashes.

Mandatory consultation is required for:

• Persistent allergic rhinitis, without obvious connections with colds;
• Pathological reaction of the skin after eating such as itching, rash or dermatitis;
• Reactions of the mucous membrane during food allergies such as swelling, choking, vomiting, diarrhea and simply negative feelings;
• Symptoms associated with ARVI, but without fever or connection with viral infections;
• Any recurrent diseases of the whole body that do not go away after complex treatment.

And do not forget about the importance of checking the body in a normal healthy state. Follow-up testing is necessary even after successful treatment of immune system pathologies.

When and what tests should be done?

A detailed general and HIV blood test and immunological study must be performed before visiting a doctor. During the initial examination, the immunologist collects anamnesis and data on allergens. Only after collecting and processing this data, the doctor prescribes additional tests.

Most often, all this is a comprehensive examination to identify autoimmune diseases, cytokines, parasites, viruses and infections, and a general study for allergic reactions. A doctor can prescribe treatment and prescribe medications only after receiving and analyzing an immunogram.

Additionally, x-rays and consultations with specialists in other fields may be prescribed.

What are the main types of diagnostics carried out by an Immunologist?

• Comprehensive diagnosis of immune or interferon status;
• Rapid skin testing (scarification method and prick injections) to identify a number of household and natural allergens;
• Allertest – detection of contact dermatitis, studies of reactions to standardized allergens. Long-term analysis - from 48 to 72 hours, a conclusion can only be made by the immunologist himself;
• Search for cysts and fungal mycelia (analysis of scrapings);
• Stool analysis for dysbacteriosis;
• Bacteriological cultures for sterility. Skin samples, cultures from the nose, ears, scales from conjunctivitis and purulent discharge are examined;
• Serological and molecular biological diagnostics for the detection of infectious diseases;
• Blood serum analysis to find the general indicator and identify specific immunoglobulin groups;
• Allergy diagnostics for food irritants, analysis of the patient's plasma. Highly accurate results within 24 hours;
• TTEML (“rinse test”) to identify drug allergens. This is a complex type of diagnosis using local anesthetics;
• Digital spirometry.

VIDEO

Advice from an Immunologist

Causes of immune system malfunctions

Main reasons:

• stress;
• malnutrition;
• avitaminosis;
• irregular sleep;
• physical inactivity;
• bad ecology;
• Constantly staying in stuffy and dusty rooms with artificial lighting also weakens the immune system.

Prevention of immunopathologies

A well-known method of prevention is healthy behavior . Active recreation, hardening the body, walks in the fresh air, healthy sleep, and taking vitamins are encouraged. Avoid exposure to strong allergens and try to minimize stress.

And of course, follow personal hygiene requirements. Following basic rules like washing your hands can prevent serious viruses from entering your body. The most severe form of immune deficiency is HIV infection.

• 
• Do not self-medicate
• Firstly, there is no universal panacea in the form of a miracle drug that improves immunity in nature.
• Secondly, improper treatment can significantly worsen the patient’s condition and even lead to the development of systemic diseases.

In practice, an immunologist can give advice only after a full examination. This is the only way to find safe ways to correct disorders of the human immune system. If the manifestations of pathologies are insignificant, then it will be enough to simply identify the cause (most often this is an external influence) and eliminate it.

To improve the condition, the doctor (and only he) selects the appropriate immunostimulating drugs: multivitamins or dietary supplements. It should be understood that all pharmacological drugs require reasonable use and targeted effects.

If necessary, the immunologist prescribes health procedures, diet, and body cleansing.

Serious diseases require an integrated approach. Self-medication and unconventional methods will only bring harm. Their treatment takes a very long period; it is vitally important to follow all the recommendations of the immunologist.

Source: https://nmedicine.net/immunolog/

Appointment with an immunologist: Who is an immunologist? What diseases does it treat?

Since viruses constantly mutate and change, people become increasingly susceptible to various ailments and their immune system cannot always cope with the disease. To make the body stronger and “teach” it to fight attacking diseases, you need to contact an immunologist who will give advice on how to help the body fight dangerous diseases.

Science of immunology

Immunology is a science that studies the body’s various reactions to antigens, considers the mechanism of their origin, course and outcome. This science is developing very rapidly and therefore it is quite difficult to talk about its stability and foundations in comparison with other sciences.

Immunologist: Who is he?

An immunologist is a specialist whose specific work is the problems of the immune system. It treats and helps prevent immune diseases, controlling their development and effect on the patient's body. Immunologists are also developing various injections and vaccinations that prevent various diseases.

When is it necessary to seek help from a specialist?

It is necessary to visit an immunologist if your health worsens due to problems with diagnosis. Most often, the attending physician himself refers the patient to such a consultation, so that the immunologist can help understand the cause of the illness and diagnose the disease.

If symptoms appear that last more than five days, you must see an immunologist.

These symptoms include:

• A slight fever of unknown etiology that lasts more than three days.
• Constant fatigue and fatigue.
• Aching in the bones.
• Frequent colds.
• Herpetic lesion.
• Purulent diseases of the nasopharynx that last a long time.
• Problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
• Low or high levels of general blood test.
• Constant relapses of chronic diseases.
• Immunity to antibiotics and antivirals during treatment.

What tests do you need to see an immunologist for?

Often, the immunologist himself prescribes the necessary tests for the patient to help him make the correct diagnosis. These include autoimmunological, rheumatoid, immune and celiac disease research. An antiphospholipid test, a general analysis of urine, blood and stool may also be required.

Diagnostic methods used by an immunologist

To select the correct therapeutic method, the immunologist uses diagnostic techniques presented by:

• Blood test results.
• Allergen tests.
• Study of interferon and immune statuses.
• Measuring pulse, lung volume and blood pressure readings.
• Cytology from the tonsils, inner ear and tongue for the presence of fungal spores.
• Complex type diagnostics for identifying food and drug allergic reactions.
• The result of a stool analysis for the presence of dysbacteriosis.
• Molecular biological and serological diagnostics.
• Blood tests for sterility and the presence of bacteria.
• Cultures from the conjunctiva, pharynx, nasal and ear sinuses.
• A biopsy, ultrasound, cardiogram and x-ray may also be prescribed.

What does a specialist do?

The work specifics of an immunologist are quite extensive, since the human immune system influences the functioning of the entire body as a whole.

An immunologist treats patients with various pathologies and ailments of the immune system. In addition, specialists conduct research and develop new vaccines and drugs.

The general areas of immunology, which are under the jurisdiction of a specialist, include:

• Transplant immunology.
• General immunology.
• Allergy immunology.
• Immunopathology.
• Immunochemistry.
• Infectious and non-infectious immunology.
• Radiation immunology.
• Embryoimmunology.

There are also immunologists who work exclusively with children. They specialize in the treatment of childhood diseases, study their immunity and carry out preventive vaccinations.

What ailments can you consult a specialist for?

An immunologist treats many ailments, since immunity is the most important component of the body’s functioning, and its disruption affects all systems, leading to various diseases.

You can contact an immunologist with:

• Chronic diseases related to immunodeficiency.
• Diseases of unknown etiology.
• Viral recurrent diseases.
• Allergic reactions and ailments of various etiologies.
• Infectious diseases that developed against the background of AIDS, hepatitis and others.
• Benign formations with a high risk of degeneration into cancer.
• Recurrent illnesses of purulent and fungal etiology.
• Gynecological and urological diseases.

Expert tips for keeping your immune system healthy

The life of a modern person is much more complex than that of his ancestors. He lives in a polluted ecological environment, moves little, eats unhealthy food, which adversely affects the immune system and the health of the body as a whole.

According to statistics, ninety-five percent of the world's population has problems with immunity. A decrease in immunity may be seasonal. The immune system is also negatively affected by stress, low physical activity, environment, nutrition and other factors.

In order to increase immune protection, you need to spend more time in the fresh air, exercise, eat right and not be nervous. By following all these rules, immunity can be maintained at a normal level.

But before you start self-medicating and taking vitamins or any other medications, you need to consult a specialist. After all, such help to your own body can have a detrimental effect on your health.

In conclusion, we can only say one thing: an appointment with an immunologist is mandatory in the treatment of any disease, since only this specialist, together with others, will help not only make the correct diagnosis, but also identify the cause that triggered the onset of the disease. Therefore, if your chronic diseases often worsen, you catch colds several times a year and have problems with the immune system, visit an immunologist and he will help you solve these problems once and for all.

1. Volkov Anatoly Viktorovich - chief physician, immunologist, allergist, nutritionist;
2. Meilitseva Marina Evseevna - immunologist, allergist, nutritionist;
3. Zhukova Olga Ivanovna - immunologist, allergist, nutritionist, pediatrician;
4. Konopleva Tatyana Nikolaevna - immunologist, allergist, nutritionist;
5. Khachaturova Marina Anatolyevna - immunologist, allergist, nutritionist;
6. Bazhenova Olga Viktorovna - immunologist, allergist.

Source: https://www.drvolkov.ru/priem-immynologa

What does an immunologist treat?

From school biology lessons, every educated person knows that one of the most important components of a healthy body is immunity. This is a unique system that controls physiological reactions, protects against external influences and ensures the safe functioning of the circulatory system.

Throughout our lives, we are faced with all sorts of reactions of our organs and systems to allergens, viruses and bacteria. This is exactly what an allergist and immunologist does.

His competence includes elucidating the mechanisms of origin and transmission of antigens, treating all kinds of pathologies of an immune nature, as well as developing the necessary preventive measures to combat them.

Who is an immunologist and why is he needed?

First of all, it should be noted that an immunologist is not exactly the doctor we are accustomed to imagine in the usual understanding of this important profession.

The point is that you don’t have to be sick to become his patient: sometimes even a completely healthy person needs a consultation with a specialist in this profile.

And if there are also symptoms of chronic fatigue, then a conversation is absolutely necessary.

A key part of the work of an immunologist is also the immunization of a healthy population, and monitoring the timely implementation of vaccines and vaccinations. That is why in our time these doctors are considered in demand and necessary in the first place, since their competence includes immunization and the general state of human health, both children and adults.

Immunological diseases, ailments, pathologies

If the patient already has a referral letter with an immunologist in his hands, what this doctor treats is, of course, his first concern. The list of ailments he treats is quite wide, but the main diseases are the following:

• seasonal and permanent types of allergies of various origins, ranging from seasonal rhinitis and conjunctivitis to food intolerance and urticaria;
• reactions to toxic or medicinal effects, equipment and machines, insect bites, serum sickness;
• problems with breathing and its system, such as: bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis, Quincke's edema, asthmatic triad, suffocation and causeless chronic cough.
• seborrheic dermatitis, skin eczema, pustules;
• otitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis;
• herpesvirus infections, herpes zoster, Epstein-Barr infection;
• secondary immunodeficiency with frequent infectious and inflammatory processes or viral hepatitis;
• diseases of autoimmune origin, such as rheumatoid arthritis;
• acute respiratory viral infections of a chronic nature, especially in children;
• problems with immunity associated with strong technogenic exposure, chemotherapy or therapy;
• pathologies of the lymphatic system, inflammatory process in the lymph;
• illnesses that are not associated with pathologies of the immune system at first glance;
• hereditary and acquired pathologies, accompanied by a decrease in the function of the immune system.

The help of an immunologist may additionally be needed if:

• chronic miscarriage during pregnancy, infertility in women.
• during organ transplantation.

By the way, if we talk about organs, what does an immunologist treat? These are lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels, bone marrow and spleen, thymus and tonsils. Each of these organs has a complex interaction with each other, because the immune system is structurally as complex as the nervous system, so any disruption in its functioning is fraught with serious complications for human health.

Help from an immunologist: in what cases is it necessary?

You should consult a specialist not only in cases where a person’s well-being has sharply deteriorated, but also, above all, when there are noticeable problems with making the main diagnosis from another physician.

The following symptoms should alert a potential patient:

1. A not too strong, but steady increase in body temperature for no apparent reason, which lasts for a long period of time.
2. Fatigue, so-called “chronic fatigue syndrome”.
3. Drowsiness during the day and insomnia at night.
4. Feeling of body aches and general malaise.
5. Colds that flow into one another (more than four times a year), or periodic relapses of diseases.
6. Chronic herpes, ulcers in the nasopharynx or oral cavity.
7. Disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
8. A blood test showing a significant deviation from the norm.
9. The body's immunity to various types of medications - from antiviral to antifungal.

Preparing for your appointment

During a consultation at the clinic, it is impossible to do without collecting biological material for analysis. To ensure maximum accuracy of the results, you must attend the appointment:

• on an “empty stomach”, without eating for 12 hours before the consultation;
• abstaining from smoking and alcohol;
• if possible, if there is no vital need, excluding taking medications; in case of chronic diseases that require this, be sure to notify the doctor;
• limit fluid intake on the eve of the examination;
• in the absence of a state of nervous stress or exacerbation of a chronic illness.

Appointment with an immunologist: how the examination, tests, treatment proceed

It is advisable to have the results of an immunological study, as well as a detailed general blood test and an HIV test on hand immediately before visiting the doctor’s office. During the initial examination, the specialist collects anamnesis and data on allergens.

If there is insufficient data, additional tests and analyzes may be prescribed. Thus, a comprehensive examination of the patient’s body will reveal various allergic reactions or autoimmune diseases.

The doctor treats and prescribes medications only after receiving the results and tests of the immunogram, which is formed after a blood test and demonstrates the degree of resistance of the human body.

To make the correct diagnosis, which is necessary when prescribing treatment for both adults and children, the doctor can use a wide range of diagnostic methods, including:

1. Data obtained from a blood test.
2. Carrying out skin surface tests with allergens of various origins.
3. Study of immune and interferon status.
4. Taking cytological scrapings from the surface of the ear canal, tonsils and tongue to identify fungi.
5. Examination of stool for dysbacteriosis.
6. Bacteriological cultures that determine the sterility of blood.
7. Cultures from the mucous membrane, ear, conjunctiva.
8. Serological and molecular biological tests
9. Allergies in complex diagnostics.
10. Measurements of basic physiological indicators, such as pulse, heart rate, blood pressure, vital capacity of the lungs.

In his work, an immunologist can use ultrasound, tissue biopsy, x-rays, electrocardiogram data and other techniques.

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Source: https://chto-lechit.su/vrach/immunolog.html