An allergist/immunologist is the best-qualified medical professional to prevent, diagnose and treat allergic diseases and related conditions such as hay fever, asthma, eczema, sinusitis, hives, rashes and reactions to foods, medicines and insect stings.

After completing 4 years of medical school, allergists complete 3 years of medical training in internal medicine or pediatrics, and then at least two years of fellowship training in an allergy and immunology program focused specifically on the management of allergic and immunologic conditions.

Board certification in allergy requires completion of approved training as well as completion of written examinations in allergy and either pediatrics or internal medicine.
Although any physician may treat allergic diseases, the board certified allergist has advanced training and experience in the techniques of determining what is causing the problem and how to best solve it.

The allergist/immunologist is uniquely trained in:

• Allergy testing (skin, in-vitro)
• History-allergy test correlation
• Bronchoprovocation testing (e.g. exercise, methacholine)
• Environmental control instructions
• Inhalant immunotherapy
• Immunomodulator therapy (e.g. anti-IgE, IVIG)
  
• Venom immunotherapy
  
• Food and drug challenges
  
• Drug desensitization
  
• Evaluation of immune competence
  
• Education (disease, medications, monitoring)
  
• Management of chronic or recurrent conditions where allergy is not always

Allergists can reduce the number of days patients need to stay home from work or school because of allergy symptoms. Studies show that people under the care of an allergist also make fewer visits to emergency rooms, and are better able to manage their allergies and asthma on a daily basis.

• Greatly improves quality of life
  
  
• Allows you to engage in sports and outdoor activities
  
  
• Reduces hospital and ER visits gives you the tools to control your disease process
  
  
• Helps you understand the effects of your environment