allergologists

An allergologist, or allergist, is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases and other immune-system disorders. They evaluate patients with suspected allergies, asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis, food allergies, drug allergies, venom allergies, and other immune-related conditions. Allergists often work in outpatient clinics, hospitals, or academic medical centers and may coordinate care with dermatologists, pulmonologists, otolaryngologists, and pediatricians.

Common conditions managed by allergists include allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, asthma with an allergic component, atopic dermatitis, various food allergies, venom allergies, drug allergies, and occupational or contact allergies. They also assess and treat complex or unusual immune disorders and may manage severe or refractory asthma with specialized therapies.

Diagnosis relies on a combination of medical history, physical examination, and objective testing. Tests may include skin-prick or intradermal tests, patch testing for contact allergens, serum-specific IgE testing, total IgE measurement, and, when appropriate, supervised oral food challenges or drug challenges. In some cases, bronchoprovocation or exercise-induced tests are used to evaluate airway reactivity.

Treatment options include avoidance measures, pharmacotherapy (such as antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and leukotriene modifiers), and emergency management of anaphylaxis with epinephrine. A major component of care is allergen immunotherapy, delivered by subcutaneous or sublingual routes, to reduce sensitivity to specific allergens. Biologic therapies may be used for certain severe allergic or asthmatic conditions.

Training typically involves medical school, a residency in internal medicine or pediatrics, and a fellowship in allergy and immunology. Certification standards vary by country, but many allergists are board-certified in allergy and immunology.