Allergology & Immunology

Under the Department of Medicine, the Section of Allergology & Immunology specializes in the evaluation and management of chronic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis (eye inflammation caused by an allergic reaction), allergic asthma, eczema (atopic dermatitis), anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction), urticaria (red, itchy swellings on the skin), angioedema (rapid swelling in the deep layers of the skin), drug and food allergies, as well as evaluation of immune competence and management of immunodeficiency disorders.

MakatiMed Immunologists are also trained to evaluate and manage reproductive immune problems affecting expectant mothers who are suffering from recurrent pregnancy loss and unexplained infertility. Allergists and Immunologists can assist the Attending Physicians and Specialists in managing these disorders to prevent morbidity and mortality and improve the quality of life of the patients.

The Section provides services such as patient education and environmental control instructions, identification of allergy triggers through an allergy skin test and blood test, inhalant allergen immunotherapy or allergy shot, drug provocation test, drug desensitization, and immunomodulatory therapy.

Th Section comprises board certified Allergists and Immunologists from the Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (PSAAI).

What is Allergy?
It is an exaggerated immune response to environmental substances that are usually harmless to most people. This occurs when a person reacts to these substances known as allergens, which are present in dust mites, insects, pets, pollen, food, and certain medications. Atopy is the genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases. Allergies tend to run in families. Parents who have allergies are more likely to have children with allergies.

When an atopic person is exposed to a particular allergen, an allergic reaction occurs and may cause different symptoms in the nose, eyes, throat, lungs, stomach, bowel, and skin or may involve many parts of the body at the same time. Allergic diseases include allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, asthma, food allergy, atopic dermatitis or eczema, and urticaria. A rare but life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis may affect a small number of people and requires an immediate lifesaving intervention. Food, insects, and certain medications can trigger an anaphylactic reaction.

When to See an Allergist/Immunologist?
The patient should see and Allergist/Immunologist if:

• He/she is suffering from frequent and persistent sneezing, runny nose, clogged nose, and  itchy nose or eyes
• He/she is suffering from on and off coughing or chronic coughing
• His/her asthma and allergies are affecting his/her daily life or activities and can no longer be controlled by medications
• He/she has a life-threatening allergic reaction
• He/she is suffering from recurrent and chronic hives (urticaria)
• He/she has uncontrolled skin allergies or eczema
• He/she wants to know his/her allergy triggers and ways to control and prevent allergies
• He/she has recurrent infections, need for intravenous medications to clear the infection, and a family history of primary immunodeficiency
• He/she is suffering from unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss or unexplained infertility after being thoroughly worked up by an Obstetrician-Gynecologist

Section Head:
Manuel M. Canlas, MD