Who is an allergist?
Medically Reviewed by Nassim Assefi, MD on November 30th, 2023
An allergist, also called an immunologist, is a medical doctor. They receive specialized training in diagnosing, treating, and managing various health conditions related to the immune system, such as seasonal allergies, asthma, and immune system disorders.
In essence, allergists address conditions caused by the immune system aggressively reacting to harmless substances like pet dander, specific food proteins, etc. In most cases, they operate within private practices or government healthcare institutions. On the other hand, academic allergists engage in research endeavors related to allergy and immunology, and some may even provide clinical care to patients.
What conditions do allergists treat?
Allergists are experts in addressing conditions that can impact your health and well-being while hampering daily life. Some common issues may include:
- Sinus infections: Sinusitis, often found in people with nasal allergies, can lead to a constantly congested or runny nose. It can also cause facial discomfort, coughing, and a thick nasal discharge. In some cases, the condition turns chronic and can increase the intensity of other issues like asthma.
- Asthma and frequent cough: Asthma causes inflamed and swollen airways in the lungs, making them sensitive to various triggers, including allergens, smoke, stress, or cold air. This results in symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest tightness, coughing, and wheezing.
- Food allergies: Allergic reactions to certain specific kinds of food can vary in severity and include symptoms such as stomach discomfort, skin rashes, respiratory issues, headaches, and digestive problems. Severe cases can also trigger anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction. Allergists address these concerns in people of all ages, with common food allergens differing in adults and children.
- Anaphylaxis: This is a rare and severe allergic reaction affecting multiple body systems simultaneously. It manifests as skin reactions, breathing difficulties, swelling, cramping, dizziness, fainting, and loss of consciousness. Going into anaphylactic shock often requires immediate medical intervention, often with epinephrine.
- Skin allergies: Allergens and irritants can cause skin reactions like contact dermatitis, eczema, or hives. These may appear quickly or after some time of coming in contact with a particular substance and can be aggravated by stress.
- Eye allergies: These reactions can result in itching, redness, or burning sensations, which are often ignored as being harmless. However, if identified timely, these can be managed effectively with medication or immunotherapy.
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever): Hay fever is a common condition with symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and itchy eyes, nose, or mouth. It can be seasonal (due to pollen allergies) or perennial (triggered by dust mites, animal dander, and mold spores).
What kind of education and training do allergists receive?
Aspiring allergists must first enroll in an undergraduate program. After this, they must complete at least nine additional years of education, including the immediate next step - acquiring a medical degree.
Once they earn their medical degree, physicians must undergo a three-year training program in internal medicine or pediatrics. They must then pass examinations conducted by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) or the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP).
After these educational qualifications are earned, one becomes an internal medicine doctor (internist) or a pediatrician. Those who aspire to become allergists must subsequently undertake a supplementary two-to-three-year period of advanced study known as a fellowship. This should be within an allergy or immunology training program.
Allergists must then clear the certifying examination conducted by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI) to be designated as ABAI-certified. Many of these professionals also come to be known as fellows of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), which becomes a testament to their knowledge and expertise. Thus, if you see the acronym FAAAAI following a doctor's M.D. designation, be rest assured of receiving the highest quality of care.
Understanding allergic reactions
Most mild to moderate allergic reactions can often be treated at home using simple remedies or over-the-counter products before seeking an allergist near you. Here are common ways to manage allergy symptoms:
Antihistamines – These are frequently used to ease mild allergic responses by blocking histamine, a substance that causes symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and skin irritation. They come in different forms, such as:
- Tablets
- Dissolvable options
- Nasal sprays
- Liquids
- Eye drops
Second-generation antihistamines such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin) are generally preferred over older drugs like Benadryl as they are less likely to cause drowsiness. However, individuals who are pregnant or have heart or any liver issues should consult a doctor before using them.
Nasal decongestants – These are available in spray, pill, or liquid form and can help reduce nasal swelling and congestion, as well as related symptoms like coughing or sore throat. They are intended for short-term use—typically no more than a week—and should be used as directed on the label.
Anti-inflammatory medications – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may provide temporary relief for pain, swelling, or cramps linked to allergic reactions.
Avoiding triggers – Identifying and steering clear of allergens is the most reliable way to prevent reactions. If complete avoidance isn’t possible, using antihistamines or decongestants when exposed to allergens can help reduce symptoms.
Saline nasal rinses – Flushing nasal passages with a saline solution may remove allergens and alleviate sinus discomfort.
Coping with airborne allergens – For allergens like pollen, dust, or mold, consider these strategies:
- Use throat lozenges containing soothing agents such as honey, menthol, or ginger
- Take a shower and change clothes after being outdoors
- Engage in light exercise to help reduce nasal blockage
Managing skin allergies – For allergic reactions affecting the skin—triggered by things like pet saliva, certain plants, metals, or chemicals—the following treatments may be useful:
- Corticosteroid creams or oral medications
- Moisturizing lotions
- Applying cold compresses
Dealing with severe allergies – People with persistent or severe allergies should see a healthcare provider. More advanced treatment options include:
- Immunotherapy (allergy shots)
- Prescription asthma medications, including bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids
- Oral cromolyn for food allergy management
- Desensitization therapies for specific allergens
What should one expect during their first visit to an allergist?
When patients first consult with an allergy doctor near them, they undergo an in-depth assessment. This includes a comprehensive review of their medical history, family history, current symptoms, ongoing medications, past treatments, family and medical history, and potential exposure to environmental toxins.
After obtaining this foundational information, the allergist may recommend specific diagnostic tests tailored to the patients' needs, such as:
- Antibody tests: These tests measure antibody levels in the blood, which is crucial for diagnosing allergies and immunodeficiency conditions.
- Patch tests: These help identify substances responsible for allergic skin reactions.
- Skin prick tests: These tests can help detect immediate allergies that may arise in response to environmental or dietary triggers.
- T-cell tests: These assessments check for T-cell numbers and activity in the blood, especially during immunodeficiency evaluations.
Once the allergist identifies the underlying condition, they devise a personalized treatment plan. The treatments prescribed may range from common remedies for minor environmental allergies, such as antihistamines and corticosteroids, to more specialized interventions, including corticosteroid creams for allergic skin reactions or epinephrine injections in cases of severe systemic allergic reactions. For primary immunodeficiency diseases, treatments may involve immunoglobulin replacement or stem cell transplantation. The allergist may prescribe antibiotics to prevent recurring infections.
Patients under treatment for allergic or immunological conditions can expect regular follow-up appointments with their allergist. During these sessions, the specialist may conduct further tests to assess the patient's progress, inquire about any new or worsening symptoms, and evaluate potential medication side effects. These appointments are a crucial component of ensuring the patient's ongoing well-being and managing their condition.
In addition to medical interventions, allergists can provide essential education on the patient's condition and offer valuable lifestyle and dietary guidance to help manage symptoms effectively.
How can you find an allergist near you in Detroit, Michigan?
Before booking an appointment with an allergy doctor near you, you should consider multiple factors and avoid hasty decisions. Zocdoc can help you figure these out and book hassle-free appointments within minutes.
To start booking a session, all you have to do is create a free account on Zocdoc. Once done, you must enter the details of your symptoms, your preferred date of appointment, the insurance plan you have, the particular specialty you seek, etc. A comprehensive list will appear. You can further narrow it down using filters such as their gender, hospital affiliations, and whether or not they treat children. Once you have shortlisted allergists, you can learn more about them through their unique bios, which include their qualifications, accreditations, affiliations, awards, areas of expertise, languages spoken, etc. If you can’t locate your insurance plan on Zocdoc, there’s nothing to worry about. Just upload a picture of your medical insurance card, and Zocdoc will automatically scan it to determine your likely plan—making it simpler to find the right healthcare providers. (Please note: This feature is only available for medical insurance.) Need assistance with uploading? Zocdoc’s helpful support team is readily available. If you experience any trouble booking an appointment with an allergist, the Zocdoc patient help center is there to assist.
Finally, you can also go through Zocdoc-verified reviews and ratings by past patients to compare doctors. Once satisfied, you can schedule a virtual or in-person appointment with an allergist who meets your expectations.
Following the steps listed above, booking appointments with the best allergy doctor near you becomes simple, secure, and 100% free!
Statistics on asthma in Michigan
According to America's Health Rankings, about 11% of adults in Michigan had asthma in 2023. This was higher than the national average of around 7.7%.
Asthma incidence rates were highest in Michigan residents aged between 18 and 44, being approximately 11.4%. The percentage was lower in those aged 45 to 64 (11.6%) and those 65 and above (9.7%). Comparatively, in the United States, the condition's incidence was highest in the age group of 45 to 64 (10.3%) and lower in those aged 18 to 44 (9.8%) and those 65 and above (9.3%). To compare based on gender, the percentage of men and women having asthma in Michigan was 7.7% and 15.7%, respectively.
Sources
Nemours KidsHealth
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Medical News Today[1]
Medical News Today[2]
America’s Health Rankings
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