Who is an Allergist?

Allergists are specialists trained in the evaluation and treatment for all conditions related to nasal and ocular allergies, food allergies, asthma and rhinosinusitis. These physicians have undergone a primary residency in either internal medicine of pediatrics before spending an additional 2 to 3 years studying the medical management of allergic and immunologic diseases. Once completing their fellowship training they are eligible to take a certifying exam by the American Board of Allergy and Medical Immunology.

The training is extensive and involves not only understanding the role of host immune system but also the role played by various aeroallergens including indoor antigens (dust mites, cat, dog etc) and outdoor antigens (tree pollen, grass pollen, weed pollen and mold spores) and pollutants in the pathogenesis of the rhinosinusitis.

Allergist are also trained in the management of asthma and in the diagnosis and management of immune deficiency

Allergen immunotherapy is an important treatment modality utilized by allergist in desensitizing patients to the allergens that cause their symptoms. A large part of the fellowship training is directed towards the science of allergen immunotherapy including the mixing of extracts to increase not only the efficiency but the stability of the extracts.