Allergies and intolerances in Munich

The two terms are often confused. In an allergy, the immune system overreacts to substances that are actually harmless, such as pollen, house dust mites, animal hair or certain foods. In the common immediate-type allergy, the body forms specific IgE antibodies, and symptoms usually appear soon after contact. An intolerance, by contrast, is usually not based on an immune reaction. In lactose intolerance, for example, an enzyme that breaks down milk sugar is missing. The symptoms often depend on the amount and appear with a delay. Contact allergies, for example to fragrances or nickel, are in turn a delayed immune reaction of the skin. The distinction matters because diagnostics and treatment differ considerably.

Detecting specific IgE antibodies in the blood is a recognised part of allergy diagnostics. It shows sensitisation – that is, that the immune system has recognised a substance. Important: sensitisation does not automatically mean an allergy. Many people have raised values without having symptoms. Conversely, a normal value does not always rule out an allergy. We therefore interpret every finding together with your medical history. In addition there are skin tests and, in certain cases, provocation tests under medical supervision. They are mostly carried out in allergy specialist practices or hospitals.

IgG antibodies against foods are often offered as a test for food intolerances. Their informative value is scientifically disputed. According to current knowledge, IgG antibodies mainly show that the body knows a food. They also occur in people without symptoms. German and European allergy societies therefore do not recommend such tests for diagnosing an intolerance. We want you to know this before you decide on a test. Please do not permanently remove many foods from your diet on the basis of an IgG result alone. This can lead to a one-sided diet and nutrient deficiencies. We discuss openly what a result can mean in your situation.

Fragrances are among the common triggers of contact allergies. They are found in perfume, cosmetics, laundry and cleaning products and room fragrances. Some people also react with breathing difficulties, headaches or dizziness without a classic allergy being demonstrable. That is why our practice is nicotine-free and perfume-free. Prof. Schulte-Uebbing has been studying fragrances from an environmental medicine perspective for years, for example in the article series “Perfume-Free Practice – Why?” (Co.med, 2018 and 2019, in German). His book “Treating Allergies and Environmental Illnesses Naturally” (Benno Verlag, Leipzig, 2011, in German) deals with allergies from an environmental medicine and naturopathic perspective.

The basis of any treatment is knowing the trigger and avoiding it where possible. For symptoms, medications such as antihistamines or cortisone-containing nasal sprays are an option. For allergies to pollen, house dust mites or insect venom, hyposensitisation, also called specific immunotherapy, addresses the cause. It takes several years and is usually carried out in allergy specialist practices. For food intolerances, an adapted diet is the main focus, ideally with support from a dietitian. Acupuncture has had its place in our practice for decades, also as a complement for allergies. Its effectiveness is not sufficiently proven for this; we see it as an additional component.