What is an Allergist/Immunologist

An Allergist and Immunologist physician is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic disease and asthma. They complete 4 years of medical school, complete a general residency in internal medicine or pediatrics and must pass an exam to become Board Certified. Following this residency, these doctors spend two additional years of training, which is called a Fellowship, learning about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of immune system problems such a as asthma and other allergic conditions.

Upon completion of an Allergy/Immunology Fellowship the doctor can practice Allergy and Immunology and can become a certified Allergist after passing another exam sponsored by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.

Allergists and Immunologists are specialists who can treat: 

  • Asthma
  • Allergic Rhinitis
  • Anaphylaxis
  • Atopic dermatitis or eczema
  • Food allergies
  • Hives or urticarial
  • Immune deficiencies
  • Sinus problems

Patient Population 

Allergists typically treat both adults and children with asthma and allergies.

Advantages of being treated by an Allergist/Immunologist: 

An allergist can assist in getting better control of a patient’s asthma. Other advantages include:

  • Better quality of care compared to a primary care physician
  • Improved quality of life and patient satisfaction related to asthma
  • Access to specific testing such as skin testing and treatment with allergy shots and immunotherapy
  • Patients treated by allergists are less likely to be admitted to the hospital, need an Emergency Department visit and treatment, require oral steroids or overuse their rescue inhaler