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Allergist - Asthma and Allergy Specialist Doctor

by Kathleen MacNaughton, R.N.
for About.com

Updated: July 31, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: An allergist is a doctor who specializes in the care of people who have allergies and allergic asthma. Allergists have special training in the field and are more likely to be up-to-date on current allergy and asthma treatment guidelines than a family doctor or pediatrician.

Anyone who has moderate to severe types of allergic asthma should be seen by an allergist at some point, if not regularly. Also, only allergists can perform allergy testing and administer immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots.

Source:

AAFA. Glossary of Asthma Terms. <http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=8&sub=104&cont=474>

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