General Allergist and Immunologist

Immunology and Allergy is a broad field of study that covers hundreds of immune diseases that impact millions of people. More specifically, this area of medicine is dedicated to the treatment and care of health conditions concerning the immune system. It also includes allergic reactions and symptoms like seasonal allergies, asthma, sinus problems, rhinitis, and life-threatening reactions to vaccines, food, drugs, etc. An allergist is a physician that specializes in the treatment and diagnosis of asthma and other allergic diseases. They are trained to identify allergy and asthma triggers, as well as treat and prevent further allergy problems. A person may choose to see an allergist when they experience symptoms like nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, or chronic sinus infections that interfere with their daily activities.

The process to becoming a general allergist or immunologist is quite lengthy. To become one, a physician must attend four years of undergraduate college; although there is not a specific major that is required, students must complete studies in biology, physics, mathematics, chemistry, and english. Next, an allergist must attend four years of medical school. Depending on their specialty, one may complete a three to eight year residency and internship program. The average salary of an immunology physician in Texas is $200k to $340k.This is a very demanding and rigorous job, as it requires an extensive amount of skill, experience, and knowledge. The career involves an abundance of training, supervising, coordinating and managing activities to be successful.

On a typical day, an allergist may treat or diagnose immunologic or allergic conditions. They will perform or order diagnostic tests for patients, such as skin pricks, intradermal injection, patch tests, or delayed hypersensitivity tests. In addition, they will educate patients about treatments, prognosis, or diagnoses. An allergist will also create individualized treatment plans for patients after considering their preferences, clinical data, and the benefits and risks of therapies. Allergists usually prescribe medications in the form of antibiotics, antihistamines, and nasal topical, oral, nasal, or inhaled glucocorticosteroids. On a weekly/monthly basis, immunologists will perform allergen provocation tests for patients, such as conjunctival, oral, nasal, bronchial, food, or medication challenges, as well as engage in self-directed learning educational activities.

References

Castle Connolly. “What is Allergy & Immunology" castleconnolly.org, Castle Connolly Top Doctors, 06 04 2021 https://www.castleconnolly.com/topics/allergy-immunology/what-is-allergyimmunology#:~:text=Allergy%20and%20immunology%20is%20the,to%20drugs%2C%20food%2C%20vacc ines%2C

ACAAI Public Website. “When To See An Allergist” acaai.org, College of Allergy and Immunology, 03 12 2019 https://acaai.org/allergies/allergy-treatment/when-see allergist#:~:text=You%20should%20see%20an%20allergist,months%20out%20of%20the%20year.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. “Careers in A/I: AAAAI” aaaai.org, AAAAI, 01 05 2018 https://www.aaaai.org/professional-education-and-training/careers-in-a-i#:~:text=To%20become %20an%20allergist%20%2F%20immunologist%2C%20a%20physician%20must%20firs t%20complete,programs%20participate%20in%20the%20NRMP.

OwlGuru, “A Day In The Life of Allergists and Immunologists” owlguru.com, Owl Guru - Find A Career You Love, 08 12 2015 https://www.owlguru.com/day-in-life-of-allergists-and- immunologists/