What is an Allergist?
An allergist/immunologist is a physician who has specialized training and
accreditation to evaluate, diagnose and treat individuals with allergies, asthma
and other disorders of the immune system.
Education
After four years of medical school, an
allergist must complete three years of residency training in either internal
medicine (adult medicine) or pediatrics. A future allergist then needs to pass
their board examinations in internal medicine or pediatrics before undertaking
an additional 2-3 years of fellowship training in the specialty of
allergy/immunology. An allergist becomes board certified by passing a rigorous
examination that covers both immunology and clinical science. A board-certified
allergist is trained in the evaluation and management of both adult and
pediatric patients.
Conditions
Common medical conditions that allergists
manage include environmental allergies (hayfever), asthma, immunodeficiency,
urticaria (hives), atopic dermatitis (eczema), drug allergies, chronic cough,
food allergies, insect allergy and eosinophilic esophagitis. A board-certified
allergist/immunologist can dramatically improve the quality of life for patients
with these conditions resulting in decreased emergency room visits, acute doctor
office visits and days missed from school or work.
Tests & Treatments Provided
An allergist/immunologist will combine an
in-depth interview, environmental exposure history, and physical examination
together with specific laboratory tests to help arrive at a diagnosis. Common
tests performed in an allergist’s office includes allergen skin testing and
spirometry which is a test to measure lung function. A board-certified allergist
will provide individualized treatment plans focusing on environmental avoidance
measures and prevention in addition to medical treatment. Allergists are
especially recognized for being the expert provider of allergen immunotherapy
(allergy shots and sublingual drops). Allergen immunotherapy is the only active
intervention that can alleviate allergy or asthma symptoms without the use of
medications.