Allergic diseases were rare before the mid-19^th century. Since then, however, they have been steadily increasing and have become a global pandemic, with almost one-third of the population experiencing at least one allergy at some point in their lives. Allergies exhibit a high degree of diversity in terms of clinical presentation, duration, severity, and natural course. They can cause a wide range of serious problems, from significant impairment of quality of life, morbidity, loss of work and school days, and social exclusion (chronic urticaria, food allergy, asthma) to life-threatening conditions (severe cases of anaphylaxis). Unfortunately, knowledge and understanding of both the mechanisms and clinical manifestations of allergies remain relatively limited—not only among the general public but also within the medical community.

Allergology is a branch of Medical Science with strong foundations in Immunology, Pathology, and Pediatrics. It interacts with and complements classic medical disciplines such as Dermatology, Pulmonology, Rhinology, Gastroenterology, and Ophthalmology, as well as related fields like Psychology and Nutrition.

As a scientific and clinical specialty, Allergology is broad and constantly evolving. It requires clinical experience in allergy, a fundamental understanding of immune system physiology and pathology, and extensive knowledge of environmental factors that trigger or modify allergic reactions.

The key principles taught are evidence-based and aim to educate undergraduate students to: Recognize clinical entities, major allergic diseases, and underlying mechanisms, Manage emergency allergic reactions, Provide appropriate guidance—whether through simple advice or referral to a specialist—for patients presenting in primary healthcare settings

The course is delivered through a series of lectures:

• 1. Definition of Allergy | History and Allergological History
• 2. Epidemiology and Risk Factors
• 3. Basic Mechanisms of Hypersensitivity
• 4. Allergens
• 5. Basic Diagnostic Methods
• 6. Prevention
• 7. Asthma and Asthmatic Crisis
• 8. Nasal and Ocular Allergy
• 9. Atopic Dermatitis
• 10. Food Allergy
• 11. Urticaria – Angioedema
• 12. Anaphylaxis
• 13. Drug Allergy

The achievement of the educational objectives of the course is accomplished through the following:

• Presentation of the basic definitions and the scope of Allergology.
• Presentation of the spectrum of allergic diseases and hypersensitivity reactions.
• Clinical training in taking an allergological history and performing patient examination.
• Practical training in the use of diagnostic methods in Allergology.
• Recognition and management of emergency allergological cases.
• Participation in “schools” related to allergic diseases.
• Familiarization with modern methods for the diagnosis and monitoring of allergic diseases (e-health and m-health).

Recommended Bibliography

https://service.eudoxus.gr/public/departments/courses/2919/2023

Book [122091103]: Principles of Allergology, ed. Nikolaos G. Papadopoulos,x

Book [122091103]: Principles of Allergology, ed. Nikolaos G. Papadopoulos, BHTA Medical Arts, ISBN: 978-960-452-353-5 Λεπτομέρειες

Additional Teaching Material:

Book [59304986]: World Allergy Atlas – Part 1, Pascal Demoly, Peter Hellings, Antonella Muraro, Nikolaos G. Papadopoulos, Ronald van Ree Λεπτομέρειες

Book [59305064]: World Allergy Atlas – Part 2 Λεπτομέρειες

Book [59305065]: World Allergy Atlas – Part 3 Λεπτομέρειες

Book [59305066]: World Allergy Atlas – Part 4 Λεπτομέρειες

Book [59305071]: World Allergy Atlas – Part 5 Λεπτομέρειες