Allergies: origin, symptoms and control

Allergies can affect the skin, the respiratory system, and even diet. Learn how to recognize and manage them to reduce risks and improve your wellbeing.

\n

Specialized medical care for allergies is essential to improving the quality of life of many people in Mozambique — especially children and those living in urban areas or in more vulnerable situations.

Related Tags

  • Laboratories

Medical control in the field of allergies means improving the quality of life for many Mozambicans, especially children and people in urban or vulnerable areas.

Allergies: A Commitment to Your Health

Allergies are exaggerated reactions of the immune system to normally harmless substances, called allergens. These can include pollen, dust mites, foods, medicines, insect venom, among others. When an allergic person comes into contact with an allergen, the body reacts abnormally, triggering symptoms that range from mild to severe.

In Mozambique, exposure to dust, smoke, pollution, poor housing conditions and processed foods, combined with genetic predisposition, contributes to the increase in allergies, especially in urban areas.

Globally, it is estimated that 30 to 40% of the population suffers from some type of allergy, making this a growing public health problem.

Common Types of Allergies

Allergies are common and appear in several forms. They can affect the respiratory tract (respiratory allergies) and cause sneezing, nasal congestion, coughing, and shortness of breath, often mistaken for colds.

Food allergies (such as reactions to shellfish, peanuts, milk, or eggs), insect stings and medicines can also cause severe reactions, from urticaria to anaphylaxis.

On the skin, atopic dermatitis or eczema is frequent in children. It causes redness, dryness, and itching, especially in skin folds.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis begins with a detailed clinical history and physical examination. Complementary tests may include skin prick tests and specific IgE blood analyses. Although availability is still limited in Mozambique, these tests are essential to confirm the cause of allergic reactions.

At Joaquim Chaves Saúde Mozambique, we provide clinical analyses and medical examinations, ensuring individualized and reliable support in allergy control.

Treatment and Ongoing Care

Key steps to ensure quality of life and prevent complications.

  • Skin tests or prick tests

  • Avoiding allergens

  • Medication

  • Long-term follow-up

Clinical Analysis

Find your nearest sample collection unit.

Book home sample collection

Find your nearest sample collection unit.

Joaquim Chaves Saúde Offers Access to Specialised Allergy Diagnostics

At our Clinical Analysis Laboratory in Maputo, integrated with Joaquim Chaves Saúde’s Medical Clinic, patients have access to allergy testing — including IgE and prick tests — supported by a personalised and expert clinical care team.

See Laboratory
Laboratory
Share