Allergist
Allergist
An Allergist (pronounced: al-er-jist) is a medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies, asthma, and immune system disorders.
Etymology
The term "Allergist" is derived from the Greek words "allos" meaning "other" and "ergon" meaning "work". It was first used in the early 20th century to describe a specialist who works with "other" or abnormal reactions of the body.
Role and Responsibilities
An Allergist is trained to identify the factors that trigger allergies and asthma. They conduct skin tests, blood tests, and breathing tests to determine the cause of these conditions. Once the allergens are identified, the Allergist will develop a treatment plan which may include medication, immunotherapy (allergy shots), and advice on how to avoid allergens.
Allergists also treat immune system disorders such as immunodeficiency disorders and autoimmune diseases. They may work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices.
Related Terms
- Allergy: A hypersensitivity reaction to a particular allergen; symptoms can vary greatly in intensity.
- Asthma: A condition in which a person's airways become inflamed, narrow and swell, and produce extra mucus, which makes it difficult to breathe.
- Immunotherapy: A type of therapy that uses substances to stimulate or suppress the immune system to help the body fight cancer, infection, and other diseases.
- Immunodeficiency disorders: Disorders in which the immune system is not able to protect the body from disease.
- Autoimmune diseases: Diseases in which the body's immune system attacks the body's own cells.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Allergist
- Wikipedia's article - Allergist
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