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Media Resources: Media Kit
About the
Allergist/Immunologist
Allergists/immunologists are physicians
specialized in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of problems involving
the immune system. An allergist/immunologist is a physician certified in
either internal medicine or pediatrics. They have completed an additional two
years of training in allergy & immunology at an accredited training program.
The allergist/immunologist, with his or her specialized training and expertise
in managing allergies, allergic rhinitis, and asthma, can develop a treatment
plan for each individual condition.
Board-certified
allergists/immunologists have passed the examination given by the American
Board of Allergy and Immunology. There are currently 4,460 Board certified
allergists/immunologists in the United States.
Allergists/immunologists
treat patients with the following problems and/or conduct research on:
- diseases of the
respiratory tract, such as allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma and
hypersensitivity pneumonitis;
- skin disorders,
including atopic dermatitis (eczema), contact dermatitis or urticaria
(hives);
- gastrointestinal
disorders caused by immune responses to foods;
- adverse reactions to
drugs, other pharmacologic agents and diagnostic testing materials;
- diseases associated with
autoimmune responses including arthritis;
- symptoms of disorders
caused by immunodeficiency;
- stem cell, bone marrow
and organ transplantation;
- immunogenetics.
Disease Management
Studies show that managing allergies and asthma with the help of an
allergist/immunologist can improve a patient’s overall quality of life and
reduce lost work or school days that result from allergies, asthma, sinusitis
and allergic skin disorders. The role of the specialist is key in helping the
50 million Americans affected by these diseases take control of their
disorders.
Collaboration between primary healthcare
providers and an allergy/immunology specialist can help to identify specific
allergy triggers, appropriate medication, therapy and prevention strategies to
minimize exposure to triggers. Primary care physicians consult with
allergist/immunologists when:
- Disease symptoms are severe.
- Clarification and identification of
allergic or other triggers for the patient's rhinitis condition is
needed.
- Medications are ineffective or cause
adverse side effects.
- Allergen immunotherapy may be the best
treatment options.
- The patient's quality of life is
significantly affected by symptoms or medications.
- Complications of rhinitis develop, such
as asthma, sinusitis or otitis media.
- Patients require systemic
corticosteroids to control their symptoms.
- The duration of rhinitis symptoms is
greater than 3 months.
- Education in allergen avoidance
techniques is needed.
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