Allergy & Immunology

Allergy and immunology is the area of medicine dedicated to the care and treatment of health concerns and conditions of the immune system, including allergic disease and related symptoms and reactions — from asthma, rhinitis, sinus problems, or seasonal allergies to life-threatening reactions to drugs, food, vaccines, and more. Allergy and immunology covers the hundreds of immune diseases that affect millions of people.

Common Conditions Treated:

Allergists and immunologists diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including:

• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• Asthma
• Food allergies
• Drug allergies
• Allergic skin conditions (e.g., eczema)
• Allergic conjunctivitis (eye allergies)
• Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reactions)
• Immune system disorders, such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Primary immunodeficiency disorders (e.g., severe combined immunodeficiency)

Treatment Options:

Allergists and immunologists diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including:

• Allergen avoidance: Identifying and avoiding triggers or allergens.
• Medications: Prescribing antihistamines, corticosteroids, bronchodilators, or immunosuppressive drugs,
  depending on the condition.
• Immunotherapy: Allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) to desensitize the immune system to
  allergens.
• Lifestyle modifications: Providing guidance on managing symptoms through lifestyle changes.
• Education: Offering patient education on allergen avoidance and self-management.

Overall, allergy and immunology is a specialized field of medicine that plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life for individuals with allergies and immune system disorders, as well as advancing our understanding of the immune system itself.