The immune system, in a few words
Your immune system usually protects your body from infections. Sometimes it can overreact to a substance, cause inappropriate inflammation or be less effective at defending the body.
The consultation aims to understand these reactions through your symptoms, medical history and, where useful, targeted investigations. A laboratory result or test alone is not enough to make a diagnosis.
Allergology
An allergy is an immune reaction to a substance that is usually well tolerated, such as pollen, a food, a medicine or insect venom. This substance is called an allergen.
Dr Beniada assesses conditions including:
- Hay fever and allergic conjunctivitis: a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes.
- Allergic asthma: inflammation of the airways that may cause coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing.
- Desensitisation, or allergen immunotherapy, when the symptoms and assessment support this treatment.
- Food allergies and medication allergies.
- Urticaria (hives): raised, itchy patches; angioedema: deeper swelling of the skin or mucous membranes.
- Reactions to bee or wasp stings.
Urticaria and angioedema are not always caused by an allergy. The circumstances in which they appear and how they develop help guide investigations.
Clinical immunology
Clinical immunology focuses on diseases in which the immune system does not function appropriately. Some affect several parts of the body and require collaboration with other specialists.
- Systemic autoimmune diseases: the immune system reacts against the body’s own tissues; several organs may be affected.
- Autoinflammatory or immune-mediated diseases: abnormal activation of the immune system contributes to inflammation.
- Assessment of immune function and immune deficiencies: some of the body’s defences are insufficient, which may make infections more likely.
The choice of investigations and follow-up depends on your medical history and the findings. Your GP and other specialists may be involved in this process.
What happens during an assessment?
1. Taking time to listen
The first step is a discussion of your symptoms, when they began, possible triggers, and treatments and tests you have already had. Your questions and the impact on your daily life are an important part of this conversation.
2. Choosing useful investigations
Depending on your situation, skin tests, a blood test or other investigations may be suggested. Specialised tests are arranged in an appropriate setting; they are not always necessary and may not be available at every consultation location.
3. Explaining the next steps
Results are interpreted alongside your clinical history. The consultation is an opportunity to discuss prevention, treatment options and follow-up, taking your needs into account.
General information, not a substitute for a medical consultation. Editorial update: .
Consultations are provided by Dr Camille Beniada, FMH specialist in allergology and clinical immunology. Read about her background and her scientific publications.
Further reading: HUG — Allergology (in French) · HUG — Clinical immunology (in French) · aha! — Allergy information (in French)