An allergist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies and immune system disorders. They are trained to identify and manage a wide range of allergic and immune-mediated conditions, including:
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
- Asthma
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
- Food allergies
- Drug allergies
- Insect sting allergies
- Anaphylaxis
- Chronic hives (urticaria)
- Immunodeficiency disorders
Some of the main tasks that an allergist performs include:
- Conducting skin tests and other diagnostic tests to identify the specific allergens that are causing symptoms
- Prescribing medication, such as antihistamines, to manage the symptoms of allergies
- Administering immunotherapy, such as allergy shots, to help desensitize patients to allergens
- Advising patients on lifestyle changes and management strategies to help reduce symptoms
- Coordinating care with other specialists such as pulmonologists, immunologists, and dermatologists
- Conducting research to improve understanding of allergies and develop new treatments
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