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Allergist (immunologist)

Allergists (also called immunologists) are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of immune system diseases. They treat people with conditions such as asthma, eczema, and allergic reactions to food, medications, insect stings, or environmental agents such as pollen.

Allergists may specialize in treating certain types of conditions, such as food allergies, or they may specialize in treating people in certain age groups, such as pediatric allergists, who treat children. As more is understood about immune system disorders, allergists treat a broader range of conditions caused by immune system problems.

Allergists can be board-certified by the Board of Allergy and Immunology, which is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.

Author Bets Davis, MFA
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Last Updated August 25, 2008

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: August 25, 2008
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.