Allergology

Clinical diagnosis and treatment of allergic and immunological conditions

The Allergy Department at the Publio Cordón Memorial Hospital, headed by Dr David González de Olano, focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of allergic and immunological diseases that can affect various systems of the body.

This is a cross-disciplinary clinical speciality that requires rigorous assessment and expert interpretation of symptoms, particularly in cases that are persistent, recurrent or complex in presentation. In this context, the department has a sub-specialism in mast cell disorders, a field that requires a high level of diagnostic expertise and ongoing clinical monitoring.

Care is based on an organised model of care that integrates accurate diagnosis, individualised treatment planning and clinical follow-up over time. Clinical practice is conducted with the time necessary to understand each case in its entirety, explain the origin of the symptoms and define a treatment strategy tailored to each patient’s clinical situation.

When allergic symptoms require expert assessment

Allergic conditions can present in a wide variety of ways, with symptoms affecting the skin, the respiratory system, the digestive system or the cardiovascular system.

In some cases, the symptoms are obvious and easily identifiable. However, in others, they may be persistent, non-specific or difficult to link to a clear trigger. These situations require an expert clinical assessment to distinguish allergic processes from other conditions and establish a well-founded diagnosis.

A specialist assessment is particularly important when symptoms recur, do not respond to standard treatments or affect different organs, which may indicate complex or less common immunological mechanisms.

Conditions treated in Allergology

The speciality of Allergology deals with a wide range of allergic and immunological conditions, including both common disorders and more complex clinical situations.

The main clinical areas include:

• Mast cell disorders, such as mastocytosis and other conditions related to abnormal mast cell activation

• Allergic respiratory conditions, such as asthma and rhinitis

• Allergic skin conditions, including chronic urticaria and atopic dermatitis

• Allergic reactions to food and medicines

• Reactions to hymenoptera stings (bees and wasps)

Care is provided through an individualised clinical assessment, tailored to the characteristics of each condition and in coordination with other medical departments where the situation requires it.

Accurate assessment and diagnosis in allergology

The care process begins with a detailed clinical assessment in which symptoms, personal history and the context in which reactions occur are analysed.

Based on this assessment, the diagnostic work-up is tailored to the individual, prioritising tests that are useful and clinically justified. The interpretation of the results is considered within the context of the overall clinical picture, avoiding oversimplified or incomplete diagnoses.

This approach enables us to accurately identify the mechanism involved in each allergic or immunological process and to establish a solid diagnostic basis on which to determine the treatment.

Personalised treatment and ongoing clinical monitoring

Treatment is determined based on the diagnosis, the progression of symptoms and their impact on daily life.

The approach may include drug treatment, measures to avoid triggers, patient education and, where indicated, specific immunotherapy. Each strategy is tailored to the individual, with the aim of controlling symptoms, preventing further reactions and improving quality of life.

Clinical follow-up is a fundamental element, particularly in chronic or more complex allergic conditions, enabling treatment to be adjusted progressively and ensuring controlled progression of the condition.

Specialised unit for mast cell disorders

Within the speciality of Allergology, a dedicated unit has been established to address mast cell disorders, combining diagnostic expertise, individualised clinical assessment, and the monitoring and follow-up of patients’ progress over time.

Mastocytosis and Mast Cell Disorders Unit

The Mastocytosis and Mast Cell Disorders Unit focuses on the assessment of patients presenting with recurrent, multisystemic (affecting different organs or systems of the body) or unexplained symptoms, where a dysfunction of mast cells is suspected.

This is a particularly complex clinical field, encompassing conditions such as mastocytosis or mast cell activation syndrome, as well as situations where symptoms do not correspond to a conventional allergic diagnosis.

The unit enables a targeted clinical assessment to be carried out, the full range of symptoms to be analysed and an accurate diagnosis to be established, distinguishing these conditions from other disorders with similar manifestations.

Management involves drawing up an individualised treatment plan and providing ongoing clinical follow-up, aimed at controlling symptoms, identifying triggers and improving the patient’s clinical stability.

A care model based on experience and coordination

The Allergy Department at the Publio Cordón Memorial Hospital has a medical team with experience in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic and immunological conditions, including those of greater clinical complexity.

Work is carried out in coordination with other specialities when the situation requires it, ensuring comprehensive care and well-founded clinical decisions.

From the very first consultation, sufficient time is set aside to explain the diagnosis, the underlying immune mechanism and the available treatment options. Patients gain an understanding of what triggers their symptoms, how to prevent further reactions and what steps to take in the event of potential episodes.

Continuity of care enables us to monitor the progression of each condition, adjust treatment and provide structured clinical follow-up, within a model of medical care centred on diagnostic accuracy and clinical safety.