Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 18, 2025
Symptom Assessment of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis Using an Allergen Exposure Chamber
Published on: March 3, 2023
COVID-19 pandemic: Practical considerations on the organization of an allergy clinic-An EAACI/ARIA Position Paper
Oliver Pfaar1, Ludger Klimek2, Marek Jutel3
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Section of Rhinology and Allergy, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
Insights
Allergy clinics must implement new safety strategies to protect healthcare providers and patients from COVID-19. These recommendations ensure continued high standards of care during the pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, poses significant risks to healthcare providers (HCPs) and patients in allergy clinics.
- Allergists are frontline workers managing patients who may be infected with SARS-CoV-2.
- Minimizing infection risks for both HCPs and patients is crucial for allergy clinics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop evidence-based recommendations for allergy clinics to manage patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To provide guidance on operational plans and safety measures for allergy clinics.
- To ensure the continuity of high-quality care for allergic patients amidst the pandemic.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and internet resources.
- Analysis of scientific information on COVID-19 and relevant guidelines from EAACI, WHO, and other international organizations.
- Development of recommendations by a multidisciplinary expert panel, including clinicians and scientists, in collaboration with EAACI and ARIA.
Main Results:
- Recommendations are structured into nine key sections covering various aspects of allergy clinic management.
- The guidelines address operational plans and procedures for maintaining clinical care standards.
- Safety measures are integrated to mitigate infection risks associated with COVID-19.
Conclusions:
- This international Position Paper offers essential recommendations for allergy clinics operating during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The guidelines aim to balance patient care with necessary safety protocols.
- Adherence to these recommendations is vital for protecting both healthcare professionals and allergic patients.
Background:
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has evolved into a pandemic infectious disease transmitted by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Allergists and other healthcare providers (HCPs) in the field of allergies and associated airway diseases are on the front line, taking care of patients potentially infected with SARS-CoV-2. Hence, strategies and practices to minimize risks of infection for both HCPs and treated patients have to be developed and followed by allergy clinics.
Method:
The scientific information on COVID-19 was analysed by a literature search in MEDLINE, PubMed, the National and International Guidelines from the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), the Cochrane Library, and the internet.
Results:
Based on the diagnostic and treatment standards developed by EAACI, on international information regarding COVID-19, on guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international organizations, and on previous experience, a panel of experts including clinicians, psychologists, IT experts, and basic scientists along with EAACI and the "Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA)" initiative have developed recommendations for the optimal management of allergy clinics during the current COVID-19 pandemic. These recommendations are grouped into nine sections on different relevant aspects for the care of patients with allergies.
Conclusions:
This international Position Paper provides recommendations on operational plans and procedures to maintain high standards in the daily clinical care of allergic patients while ensuring the necessary safety measures in the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Related Concept Videos
02:06Allergic Reactions
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
01:25Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
01:27Allergic Drug Reactions