Allergologen

Allergologen (allergologists) are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and management of allergic diseases and related immune conditions. In many healthcare systems they practice as specialists in allergy and clinical immunology, often after completing training in internal medicine or pediatrics and a dedicated fellowship in allergy. Board certification or equivalent credentials are used where available.

Allergologists assess patients with suspected allergies by taking detailed histories and performing targeted diagnostic tests. Common procedures include skin prick testing and intradermal testing for inhalant and food allergens, serum-specific IgE testing, and patch testing for contact dermatitis. In selected cases, supervised oral food challenges, drug challenges, or venom testing are used to confirm or exclude sensitivities. They also evaluate conditions such as allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, atopic dermatitis, food allergies, venom allergies, and drug allergies, and they coordinate care with other specialists as needed.

Management focuses on avoidance strategies when possible, pharmacotherapy (for example antihistamines, nasal or inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene receptor antagonists, and bronchodilators), and immunotherapy options such as subcutaneous or sublingual allergen immunotherapy for eligible patients. They also prepare emergency plans for anaphylaxis and provide education on allergy action plans.

Education and research: allergologists receive extensive medical training and pursue ongoing continuing education. Research in the field covers mechanisms of allergy, diagnostic biomarkers, and new therapies, including biologics. Relevant organizations include the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI), and the World Allergy Organization (WAO). The exact scope and credentials vary by country.