What is
Immunology?
The immune system’s task is to protect the human body from various external influences and attacks (e.g., viral or bacterial infections) through cells, tissues, and organs, and to restore its normal function. If the immune system activates independently of external influences or becomes overactive for some other reason, an autoimmune disease may develop, which results in damage to various organs with characteristic symptoms, imaging findings, and laboratory abnormalities.
In these cases, therefore, the immune system activates against healthy, own cells and produces so-called antibodies. With different medications, this process can be stopped, thus eliminating symptoms and preventing further organ damage. Among the most well-known autoimmune diseases are rheumatoid arthritis, which is a condition involving joint inflammation; systemic lupus erythematosus (Lupus or SLE), which most commonly involves skin symptoms, joint inflammation, and kidney damage, but can extend to all our organs. Graves’ disease affecting the thyroid, or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, polymyositis affecting muscles, dermatomyositis affecting the skin, and Type I diabetes mellitus are also autoimmune diseases.
When should you visit an immunologist?
How does an immunological examination proceed?
The immunological examination always begins with a thorough questioning of the patient’s complaints. Following this, the specialist inquires about previous illnesses, hospital treatments, reviews previously used medications, and examines the available previous documentation.
This is followed by a detailed physical examination. Our specialist assesses the condition of the skin, signs of potential circulatory problems, and lower leg edema. The thyroid is palpated. Following this, using a stethoscope, the doctor checks the heart sounds and lung condition. Finally, by palpating the abdomen, the size of internal organs (liver, spleen) is assessed. The examination is completely painless. You don’t need to be fasting for the examination. It’s important to bring all your previous documentation and a list of your current medications. The immunologist may recommend additional specialist examinations if necessary (e.g., dermatology, endocrinology, orthopedics).
A comprehensive laboratory blood test is essential for accurately mapping the abnormal functioning of the immune system. Our immunologist will explain the exact composition of the test in detail. Blood collection takes place at a pre-arranged time. The blood draw itself causes mild discomfort. In a sitting position, our assistant uses a blood collection needle to puncture a suitable vein and collect blood in tubes, which we send for analysis. The results can be evaluated at a subsequent appointment, which qualifies as a follow-up visit. If necessary, urine tests may also be performed.
Ultrasound examination may also be part of the immunological investigation. With general abdominal ultrasound, we can obtain information about the condition of all important abdominal organs (liver, spleen, kidney composition, abnormalities). In thyroid ultrasound, thyroid nodules, other benign or possibly malignant changes are shown, and the size of the thyroid can be examined. If necessary, tissue samples can be taken from the thyroid using ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration, which helps establish an accurate diagnosis.
Our Prices in Immunology
| Immunológia konzultáció | 34 800 Ft |
| Kontroll vizsgálat, leletmegbeszélés | 28 500 Ft |
| Gondozás | 29 800 Ft |
Our Doctors in Immunology
