Book the best Allergists for your needs

What is an allergist?

An allergist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating allergies, asthma, and immune system disorders. Also called an allergy and immunology specialist, they care for patients of all ages who experience symptoms related to environmental triggers, food sensitivities, respiratory issues, or immune dysfunction.

What is an allergy doctor called?

An allergy doctor is called an allergist or an allergist-immunologist. These specialists diagnose and treat allergies and problems with the immune system.

Allergist vs immunologist

All allergists are trained on the whole immune system, but not all immunologists work with allergies; some focus on autoimmune diseases or immunodeficiency disorders.

What does an allergist do?

An allergist is a doctor who focuses on identifying and treating allergies, asthma, and problems with the immune system. Their goal is to help patients live better lives. Their key services include:

• Testing for allergies to identify the specific allergens.
• Educating you on reducing exposure to allergens.
• Prescribing effective medications for asthma and allergies, and offering immunotherapy as another option.
• Managing skin conditions like eczema, hives, and contact dermatitis.
• Diagnosing and treating conditions where the immune system does not work properly.

When should I see an allergist?

Consider seeing an allergist if you frequently get sick with a cough or congestion. Allergy symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, or wheezing can often be improved with their help, enhancing your quality of life.

You should see an allergist if:

• You are experiencing chronic sinus infections or difficulty breathing.
• Your allergy symptoms last for several months each year.
• OTC medications aren’t effective or cause side effects like drowsiness.
• Your asthma or allergies disrupt your daily activities.
• You experience warning signs of serious asthma, such as struggling to breathe, wheezing at night or after exercise, or frequent asthma attacks despite taking medication.
• You had a severe reaction to an insect sting or food.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, book a visit with an allergist near you on Zocdoc in just a few clicks!

What conditions do allergists treat?

An allergist is a doctor who helps find the cause of your allergies and works with you to manage them so you can feel your best.

Environmental allergies: 

• Hay fever (allergic rhinitis): Reactions to substances you breathe in or come into contact with.
• Insect sting allergies: Severe reactions, like swelling or breathing difficulties, after a bee or wasp sting.
• Drug allergies: Rashes, hives, or illness after taking specific medications.

Skin and food allergies: 

• Food allergies: Nausea, hives, or swelling after consuming foods like peanuts, milk, or eggs.
• Eczema:  Recurrent dry, itchy, and red skin patches.
• Hives: Sudden, red, itchy bumps on the skin.
• Contact dermatitis: Rash from skin contact with irritating substances, like certain metals or plants.

Asthma and immune disorders: 

• Asthma: Tight airways causing difficulty breathing, often triggered by allergens.
• Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE):  Swelling in the food pipe, making swallowing painful.
• Immune system problems: Swelling in the food pipe, making swallowing painful.

What types of tests and treatments do allergists provide?

Allergists use special tools to find your allergy triggers and offer treatments for your symptoms, such as:

Diagnostic tools:

• Skin prick tests
• Blood tests like IgE tests)
• Patch tests
• Oral food challenges 
• Lung function tests (spirometry)

Treatments: 

• Medications, such as antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, and biologics
• Allergy shots
• Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT)
• Epinephrine autoinjector

How do I choose the best allergist?

Finding a good allergist means looking at what matters most for your care. Consider their board certification, specialization (adult vs pediatric), treatment approach, and patient reviews. Location, insurance acceptance, and availability are also important factors. Search and compare allergy and immunology specialists on Zocdoc to book an appointment that fits your preferences.

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.