Allergy is a systemic disease with many faces that affects multiple organs. Patients who suffer from a wide range of symptoms require accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The diagnostic and therapeutic approach to patients with different forms of allergy across multiple disciplines is a considerable challenge.

An allergy is an abnormal reaction of the body to certain substances that are harmless in themselves. These substances are called allergens. Approximately 20 to 30 percent of the population will react to them and consequently suffer from an allergy. The most common allergies are to pollen, dog and cat dander, dust mite faeces and mould spores.

Allergies mainly cause symptoms in the nose, lungs, skin, gastrointestinal tract, eyes and ears. Some people react very strongly to certain foods or substances such as peanuts, fruit, grains, fish, shellfish and crustaceans. Bee and wasp venom, contact with latex and medicines can also cause a severe allergic reaction.

The Allergy Network at UZ Gent has been recognised as a centre of excellence by the World Allergy Organisation (WAO). Only 82 centres worldwide have received this recognition.