Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

An allergist/immunologist is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of allergic disease and asthma. To become a specialist in allergy and immunology takes at least nine years of training after college. After taking four years to complete medical school, one must do a residency for three years in either internal medicine (to become an internist) or pediatrics (to become a pediatrician). After completing residency, the physician must take a board examination in their specialty (either the American Board of Internal Medicine, ABIM or the American Board of Pediatrics, ABP) to become board certified.

To become a specialist in Allergy and Immunology the internist or pediatrician must complete a two year fellowship at an allergy/immunology training program. At the completion of this they must pass another certifying examination by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI) to become board certified in the specialty. Allergist are trained and board certified to treat both adults and children for allergic diseases and asthma.

Allergist have extensively studied and trained in the treatment of a wide range of allergic and immunologic diseases. Some of these are common including, nasal allergies, asthma, food allergy, anaphylaxis (a severe generalized allergic reaction), chronic sinusitis, and hives (urticaria). Others are less common such as hereditary angioedema, mastocytosis, Churg-Strauss syndrome, hypereosinophilc syndrome and inherited primary immunodeficiency diseases.

Some of these diseases that allergist treat such as asthma and anaphylaxis can be life threatening if not properly managed. Other diseases such as allergic rhinitis and hives may not be life-threatening but can severely impact one's quality of life and affect their performance at work and school. Allergist are the best qualified medical professional to prevent, diagnose and treat these medical conditions.