Allergist

An allergist (allergist/immunologist) is a doctor who specializes in certain conditions that affect your immune system. Your immune system is made up of special cells, organs and tissues that fight off disease.

Types of immune system disorders an allergist treats include:

• Allergies and allergic disorders: You get allergies when your immune system overreacts to something you eat, breathe in (inhale) or touch.
• Asthma: Asthma is an inflammation of the airways in your lungs.
• Primary immunodeficiency disorders: These are genetic disorders that keep your immune system from working properly.

In addition to medical school, allergists get specialized training in allergy and immunology. In the U.S., they have to pass an exam to be certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.

What does an allergist do?

An allergist diagnoses and treats problems with your immune system. An allergist can:

• Test for allergies to foods, pollens (grass, trees, weeds), pet dander, mold and other triggers
• Test your lung function and diagnose asthma
• Prescribe medications or devices to prevent, treat or reduce the severity of allergic reactions and asthma attacks
• Recommend ways to avoid asthma or allergy triggers
• Give allergy shots or other forms of immunotherapy to help reduce allergic reactions
• Diagnose immunodeficiency disorders
• Recommend ways to avoid infection while living with an immune disorder
• Give intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) to treat certain immune disorders
• Perform drug desensitization so you can safely take important medications

What conditions does an allergist treat?

Some conditions allergists commonly treat include:

• Allergic conjunctivitis
• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• Anaphylaxis
• Angioedema
• Asthma
• Drug allergies
• Eczema
• Eosinophilic disorders
• Food allergies
• Hives (urticaria)
• Insect sting allergies
• Latex allergies
• Sinus infections

When should you see an allergist?

Some reasons you might see an allergist include:

• You have severe allergic reactions. These could include hives, face or tongue swelling or trouble breathing.
• You think you have allergies, but aren’t sure what’s triggering them.
• You have allergies or asthma that you don’t feel are well-managed, even with medication or lifestyle changes.
• Allergies or asthma affect your quality of life or keep you from work or activities you enjoy.
• You wheeze, cough or feel short of breath frequently, especially after exercise or at night.
• You’re often sick, or it takes you a long time to get over colds or other routine illnesses.
• You need to be tested or treated for allergies, asthma or an immune system disorder.

What’s the difference between allergists and immunologists?

You might hear two different terms for doctors who specialize in conditions that affect your immune system:

• Allergist is usually short for an allergist/immunologist who treats allergies and asthma. They may also treat immune disorders.
• Immunologist usually refers to an allergist/immunologist who specializes in treating immune disorders or in medical research on the immune system.

How does an allergist test for allergies?

Depending on the kind of allergy they’re looking for, an allergist might use one or more types of tests. These could include:

• Skin prick/scratch tests: Skin prick tests use a small amount of allergen on an applicator. Your allergist scratches your skin lightly with the applicator and waits to see if it causes a reaction.
• Blood tests: A lab tests a sample of your blood to see if you have signs of allergies to specific substances.
• Food challenge tests: During a food challenge test, your allergist gives you increasing amounts of a food that you might be allergic to. They check you for an allergic reaction.

In addition to allergy testing, your allergist appointment may also include:

• Lung function testing: These are tests to measure your lung function. They help in diagnosing and managing asthma.
• Instructions on how to use medical devices: Your provider might show you how to use epinephrine injectors, inhalers or nebulizers.