Good to know
More information about allergy tests, allergy prevention desensitisation, complementary medicine and much more besides helps cope with allergy issues. Our focus topics are also given here.
![Doctor doing prick tests on a child's back. The child sits on his mother's lap.](/userfiles/images/allergien-und-intoleranzen/wissenswertes/was-ist-eine-allergie/aha-what-is-an-allergy-types.jpg)
What is an allergy?
At least a quarter of the Swiss population is affected by allergies. The trend is upwards. The reasons are many and varied. Experts distinguish between allergy types.
![Toddler at the paediatrician.](/userfiles/images/allergien-und-intoleranzen/wissenswertes/allergiekarriere/aha-allergic-march.jpg)
Allergic march
If in infancy and childhood one allergy form follows the next, we talk about an allergic march.
![A young woman is being tested for allergens on her arm.](/userfiles/images/allergien-und-intoleranzen/wissenswertes/allergietest/aha-allergy-tests.jpg)
Allergy tests
Different allergy tests can be carried out to identify what allergens the immune system reacts to.
![A smiling toddler gets a spoonful of porridge](/userfiles/images/allergien-und-intoleranzen/wissenswertes/allergiepraevention/aha-allergy-prevention.jpg)
Allergy prevention
Although there is no sure way of preventing a child from developing an allergy, certain things can be done that help reduce the risk.
![A prick test is performed on the arm of a patient](/userfiles/images/allergien-und-intoleranzen/wissenswertes/allergenspezifische-immuntherapie/aha-allergen-specific-immunotherapy-desensitisation.jpg)
Allergen-specific immunotherapy (desensitisation)
Unlike the drugs used in the treatment of allergic symptoms, specific immunotherapy targets the cause of the allergy itself.
![Picture detail: Acupuncture needles are placed in the back area](/userfiles/images/allergien-und-intoleranzen/wissenswertes/komplementaermedizin/aha-complementary-medicine.jpg)
Complementary medicine
The aha! Swiss Allergy Centre provides independent information about complementary medicine methods relating to allergies, the skin and asthma.