Clinical Immunology and Allergy

An allergist-immunologist is trained in evaluation, physical and laboratory diagnosis, and management of disorders involving the immune system. Selected examples of such conditions include asthma, anaphylaxis, rhinitis, eczema, and adverse reactions to drugs, foods, and insect stings as well as immune deficiency diseases (both acquired and congenital), defects in host defense, and problems related to autoimmune disease, organ transplantation or malignancies of the immune system. These specialists can track down which substance or allergen is causing the problem, advise about how to eliminate the cause, and start a treatment plan. As our understanding of the immune system develops, the scope of this specialty is widening.