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  How the Allergist/Immunologist Can Help:
Consultation and Referral Guidelines Citing the Evidence

The patient versions of How the Allergist/Immunologist Can Help: Consultation and Referral Guidelines Citing the Evidence provide information based on evidence to assist patients along with their health care provider in the decision-making process on whether seeing an allergist/immunologist is in their best interest.

The Guidelines were developed by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Asthma - also wheezing, difficulty breathing
Anaphylaxis - also serious allergic reactions to foods, drugs, stings, etc.
Cough
Dermatitis - also rashes, eczema, hives (urticaria, angioedema) other skin problems
Food Allergy
Rhinitis - "allergies," nasal (or nose and eye) symptoms
Sinusitis - sinus problems, infections
Stinging Insect - allergic reactions to insect stings and bites


An allergist/immunologist is a physician certified in either internal medicine or pediatrics, who has completed an additional two years of training in allergy and immunology at an accredited training program and passed the examination given by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI).

The allergist/immunologist is uniquely trained in:
  • Allergy testing (skin, in-vitro)
  • History-allergy test correlation
  • Bronchoprovocation testing (e.g. exercise, methacholine)
  • Environmental control instructions
  • Inhalant immunotherapy
  • Immunomodulator therapy (e.g. anti-IgE, IVIG)
  • Venom immunotherapy
  • Food and drug challenges
  • Drug desensitization
  • Evaluation of immune competence
  • Education (disease, medications, monitoring)
  • Management of chronic or recurrent conditions where allergy is not always identified: rhinosinusitis, conjunctivitis, asthma, cough, urticaria/angioedema, eczema, anaphylaxis
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology is the largest professional medical specialty organization in the United States representing allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals, and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. Established in 1943, the AAAAI has nearly 6,000 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other countries.



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i. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Task Force on Allergic Disorders. Executive Summary Report. (1998).

ii. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). The Allergy Report: Science Based Findings on the Diagnosis & Treatment of Allergic Disorders, 1996-2001.

iii. United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital and Health Statistics, Series 10, no. 13. 1999.

iv. "Asthma Prevalence, Health Care Use, and Mortality, 2000-2001," National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

v. American Lung Association. Epidemiology and Statistics Unit, Best Practices and Program Services. Trends in Morbidity and Mortality, April 2004.

vi. "Anaphylaxis in Schools and Other Childcare Settings." J of Allergy and Clin. Immunology. (1998) 102:173-76.

vii. "Stinging Insect Hypersensitivity: A Practice Parameter." J of Allergy and Clin. Immunology (1999) 103:963-980.

viii. American Lung Association. Epidemiology and Statistics Unit, Best Practices and Program Services. Trends in Morbidity and Mortality, April 2004