Emergency

Allergology

Allergic conditions such as hay fever, asthma, atopic dermatitis and food allergies affect around 40 per cent of the Swiss population. At the Allergy Department of Zuger Kantonsspital in Baar, we carefully assess your symptoms and work with you to identify the trigger.

+41 41 399 40 36+41 41 399 40 41dermatologie@zgks.ch

What is an allergy?

An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to substances that are actually harmless, known as allergens. Typical triggers include pollen, animal dander, house dust mites, mould spores, certain foods or insect venoms. Reactions range from watery eyes and a sneezing fit to breathing difficulties or skin rashes, and can significantly impair quality of life.

Your assessment at the allergy clinic

The process begins with a detailed consultation: your description provides us with crucial clues as to the possible allergen. As there are thousands of potential triggers, a structured assessment is essential. Using skin tests and supplementary laboratory tests, we can reliably identify inhalant allergies (such as those caused by pollen, animal dander, dust mites or mould), simpler food allergies and insect venom allergies.

Once the triggering allergen has been identified, we will discuss the next steps with you. The most effective measure is, and always will be, avoiding the allergen – this forms the basis of your personalised treatment plan.

Collaboration with the USZ

As part of a network of healthcare providers, we work closely with the Allergy Unit at the University Hospital of Zurich (USZ) for more complex cases of drug and food allergies. This means you benefit from care close to home whilst also having access to highly specialised expertise. Within the Zuger Kantonsspital, we liaise with the departments of dermatology, pulmonology and other specialist areas as required.

Services

  • Diagnosis and evaluation of allergic diseases

    •    Investigations into other suspected allergies
    •    Atopic eczema (neurodermatitis)
    •    Hay fever and other allergic respiratory conditions (pollinosis)
    •    Insect sting allergies (from bees or wasps)
    •    Mastocytosis (particularly cutaneous forms, associated allergies)
    •    Drug allergies and intolerances (e.g. aspirin, local anaesthetics)
    •    Food allergies and intolerances
    •    Urticaria (Quincke’s oedema, including HAE (hereditary angioedema))

  • Managing allergies
    • Educational initiatives to prevent contact with allergens
    • Innovative treatments for specific severe allergies
    • Conventional medication therapy
    • Specific immunotherapy (hyposensitisation)

Partnership

Allergy ward, Dermatology clinic Universitätsspital Zürich

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does an allergy assessment involve at Zuger Kantonsspital?

First, we will discuss your symptoms and any possible triggers in detail. This is followed by skin tests and, if necessary, laboratory tests. Based on this, we will discuss the next steps with you.

Which allergies can be diagnosed during an allergy consultation?

Among other things, we diagnose inhalant allergies (pollen, animal dander, dust mites, mould), simple food allergies and insect venom allergies. In complex cases, we work in collaboration with the Allergy Unit at the University Hospital of Zurich (USZ).

When should I come to the allergy clinic?

If symptoms such as a sneezing fit, itchy eyes, skin rashes or breathing difficulties occur repeatedly and you suspect a link to specific triggers, it is worth getting this checked out. In the event of acute, severe reactions, call the emergency number immediately.

Do I need a referral for the allergy clinic?

Your GP can refer you to the allergy clinic.