What Is Allergy/Immunology?

Allergy (AL-ur-jee) and immunology (im-yuh-NAHL-uh-jee) is the medical specialty that diagnoses and treats allergies, immune system problems, and asthma.

What Is an Allergist?

An allergist (AL-ur-jist)/immunologist (im-yuh-NAHL-uh-jist) is a doctor who diagnoses and treats asthma, allergies, or immune system conditions.

Why Would Someone Need One?

Allergy/immunology doctors diagnose and treat problems such as:

• food, medicine, or plant allergies
• eosinophilic esophagitis
• eczema
• hives
• immune system problems that lead to frequent infections
• autoimmune disorders

They do medical tests and procedures such as:

• checking to see how well the immune system is working
• skin testing and blood testing for allergies
• intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG-antibodies given through an IV)
• chest X-rays
• blood tests
• spirometry

What Is Their Training?

Allergist/immunologist training usually includes:

• 4 years of pre-medical education at a college or university
• 4 years of medical school — a medical degree (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) degree
• 3–4 years of training in a pediatric, internal medicine, or med-peds (combined pediatric and internal medicine) residency program
• 2 years in an allergy-immunology fellowship program. A “fellow” is a doctor who had more specialty training after completing medical school and a residency.

Good to Know

Allergists/immunologists often work closely with:

• otolaryngologists (ENTs, or ear, nose, and throat doctors)
• pulmonologists (lung and breathing doctors)
• gastroenterologists (digestive system doctors)