Things to Know Before Visiting an Immunologist or Allergist

March 4, 2025 | Posted at 3:59 am | by Yash Gupta (Follow User)

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An immunologist or allergist is an expert who treats various allergic reactions, allergies, immunologic conditions, and even asthma. These experts gain special training in immunology and allergy. According to Dr. Kanury Rao, these experts are the best medical professionals to manage allergies including asthma. By opting for it, you can even avoid serious health conditions. You can visit them if you have allergies to pet dander, dust, mites, trees, grasses, and even certain foods.

Before you decide and visit an allergist, you should read this post to get maximum benefits.

Who is an immunologist or allergist?

An immunologist or allergist is an expert who specializes in treating various illnesses and allergies associated with the immune system. Our immune system consists of various organs, tissues, and special cells. When these elements start reacting adversely, you will feel sick or catch alleges easily. This is where you will need a specialist like an allergist for targeted solutions.

Below are a few conditions treated by an immunologist:

  • Allergic disorders and allergies: When the immune system starts overreacting to touching, inhaling, or eating something, you will catch allergies or allergic disorders. However, allergists are capable of treating all these conditions.
  • Asthma: This condition is an inflammation of an airway in the lungs. You usually get an asthma attack when it is triggered by environmental factors such as dust and pollution.
  • Primary immunodeficiency disorders: This is a genetic disorder that prevents your immune system from functioning well. According to immunologists such as Kanury Rao, more than 200 disorders are there that fall under this category.

Are Immunologists and allergists the same?

Well! Both these professionals are the same. The only thing is that these terms are used interchangeably for these medical healthcare experts. An allergist or immunologist will help you deal with common allergies, asthma, skin reactions, and several other issues that occur due to a weak immune system.

What are the responsibilities of an allergist?

As mentioned above, an allergist is a medical expert who treats and manages issues associated with the immune system. Besides, he or she is responsible for the following:

  • To know the actual trigger point, they conduct allergy testing. Based on the same, they will determine the allergens i.e. pollens, mold, pet dander, etc.
  • They will also conduct certain tests to know the functions and conditions of the lungs to diagnose several conditions such as asthma.
  • Based on the findings, they will prescribe devices or medicines to treat allergic reactions and other conditions.
  • In addition to this, they will also suggest some necessary lifestyle changes to prevent possible allergic triggers and asthma.
  • To treat your specific allergic reactions, you will also be offered allergy shots – by Dr. Kanury Rao. This will help you reduce the associated allergic reactions.

What are the conditions treated by an allergist?

Although an immunologist can treat various health conditions, you will be offered targeted solutions for the following conditions:

  • Asthma
  • Food allergies (only specific ones)
  • Hay fever or allergic rhinitis
  • Allergic conjunctivitis
  • Medicine allergies
  • Eczema
  • Anaphylaxis
  • Urticarial or hives
  • Eosinophilic disorders
  • Latex allergies
  • Insect sting allergies
  • Angioedema
  • Sinus infections

Why should people visit an immunologist/allergist?

Although you can have different reasons to visit an allergist, the following are the ones you should not miss out on your appointment with these professionals:

  • When you are tested for asthma or allergies
  • When you are searching for a safe treatment option for asthma and allergies
  • If you want to manage the symptoms of the immune system and related disorders

When to visit an expert allergist?

Before you visit an immunologist, you should consult with your general physician first – Kanury Rao. If they suggest or refer you, you must schedule your appointment. Besides, you should see an allergist during the following:

  • With severe allergic reactions such as hay fever, hives, swelling on the tongue and face, etc., you must visit an immunologist.
  • When you are unable to decide on the allergy’s trigger, you should contact an immunologist.
  • When your asthma is becoming uncontrolled even after lifestyle changes and medicines, you should immediately contact an expert allergist.
  • If your daily life is affected by asthma and allergies, you should connect with a certified immunologist.

Apart from these, several other conditions are there that will need to be addressed and treated by an expert like a trained immunologist.

What is done by an immunologist to treat allergies?

Based on your allergy type and possible triggers, an immunologist usually does the following to treat the condition:

  • Scratch or skin prick tests
  • Blood tests
  • Food challenge tests
  • Allergy shots
  • Lung function tests for pulmonary and spirometry testing

In a nutshell,

You will agree that asthma, immune disorders, and allergic reactions can have an adverse effect on daily life. If not treated, these issues can also cause some serious reactions – Dr. Kanury Rao. Thus, you should consult with your physician and plan a visit to a specialist i.e. allergist for the targeted therapies and solutions.