What Is An Allergist?
An allergist or allergy/immunology physician is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis of allergic diseases like asthma. After 4 years of medical school, allergy/immunology physicians complete a general residency in internal medicine or pediatrics and must pass an exam to become board certified.
Following that residency, these physicians spend two additional years of training called a fellowship learning about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of immune system problems such as asthma and other allergic conditions. After completing the allergy/immunology fellowship, the doctor can practice allergy/immunology and can call himself a certified allergist after passing another examination sponsored by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.
What Diseases Does an Allergist Treat
An allergist treats many kinds of allergic and immune system problems. In addition to asthma, your allergist probably treats:
- Allergic rhinitis
- Anaphylaxis
- Atopic dermatitis or eczema
- Food allergies
- Hives or urticaria
- Immune deficiencies
- Sinus problems
What Are the Advantages of Being Treated by an Allergist
If you are going to go through the time and expense of seeing an allergist, hopefully it will assist you in getting better control of your asthma. A number of potential advantages of getting care from an allergist that you may want to consider include:
- Better quality care compared to a primary care physician (according to some studies).
- Improved quality of life and patient satisfaction related to asthma.
- Access to specific testing such as skin testing and treatment with allergy shots or immunotherapy.
Does an Allergist Treat Both Adults and Children?
An allergist typically takes care of both adults and children with asthma and some solely practice as an asthma doctor. Depending on your insurance, you may need to meet a specific guideline before being referred to an allergist for your asthma. Alternatively, many plans now don not require that patients get a referral.
Sources:
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Accessed: January 1, 2008. Expert Panel Report 3 (EPR3): Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma
Schatz M, Zeiger RS, Mosen D et. al. Improved asthma outcomes from allergy specialist care: A population-based cross-sectional analysis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2005 Dec;116(6):1307-13.
Alford G. When Do You Need an Asthma Specialist? Asthma Magazine. Volume 8. July-August 2003.
