What is an Allergist?

An allergist/immunologist is a physician specially trained to manage and treat allergies and asthma. Becoming an allergist/immunologist requires completion of at least nine years of training. After completing medical school and graduating with a medical degree, a physician will then undergo three years of training in internal medicine (to become an internist) or pediatrics (to become a pediatrician). Once physicians have finished training in one of these specialties, Internists or pediatricians who wish to focus on the subspecialty of allergy/immunology then complete at least an additional two years of study, called a fellowship, in an allergy/immunology training program. Allergist/immunologists who are certified have successfully passed the certifying examination of the Canadian Board of Allergy and Immunology, following their fellowship.

As a result of this extensive study and training, an allergist/immunologist is the best-qualified medical professional to effectively manage the comprehensive needs of patients with allergic disease. Allergist/immunologists are trained in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of immune system problems such as allergies, asthma, inherited immunodeficiency diseases, autoimmune diseases and even AIDS. Unlike a cold, allergic disease is not a condition that someone can just “get over.” The help of a trained allergist/immunologist can reduce how often patients need to stay home from work or school due to symptoms. Studies show that those under the care of an allergist/immunologist also make fewer visits to emergency rooms, and are better able to daily manage their allergies and asthma.

If you are enrolled in a managed care organization, your insurer will have a specific set of guidelines that help your primary care physician decide when to refer you to an allergist/immunologist. Once you are referred, the allergist/immunologist will work to accurately diagnose your condition by taking a thorough patient history, including information about your symptoms, family history, and home and work environments. Your allergist/immunologist will also conduct allergy skin testing and any other needed tests. Combining specific information from your history and tests, the allergist/immunologist will be able to make an accurate diagnosis. To help prevent symptoms, he or she will work with you to develop an appropriate management plan and will prescribe the most cost-effective treatment, including recommendations for particular medications and/or devices, and any needed environmental control measures. Your allergist/immunologist and allied health staff will not only prescribe medications and devices, but will also show you how and when to use them.