Allergy and Immunology (2024)

FAQs

What is immunology and allergy? ›

iStock. Allergy and immunology is the area of medicine dedicated to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of immune system conditions, including allergic disease and related symptoms and reactions — issues that affect many millions of Americans.

An allergist / immunologist (commonly referred to as an allergist) is a physician specially trained to diagnose, treat and manage allergies, asthma and immunologic disorders including primary immunodeficiency disorders.

This means allergies and immune system function are inherently linked. Allergic reactions cause inflammation throughout your body. This is part of your immune system's natural defense mechanism, but if left untreated, chronic inflammation can contribute to disease and poor immune system health.

Overview. Immunotherapy is a preventive treatment for allergic reactions to substances such as grass pollens, house dust mites and bee venom. Immunotherapy involves giving gradually increasing doses of the substance, or allergen, to which the person is allergic.

An immunologist treats health issues brought on by immune system problems. Also known as allergists, immunologists are doctors who diagnose, treat, and work to prevent immune system disorders. You may see an immunologist if you have food or seasonal allergies, hay fever, eczema or an autoimmune disease.

Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) develops when mast cells become overactive and release their contents, which include histamine and other substances that cause inflammation and allergy symptoms.

Your appointment

You will be seen either by an allergy and/or immunology specialist physician or allergy clinical nurse specialist who will undertake an initial assessment. If indicated, allergy skin prick and other tests may be done before or after this consultation.

Adults or children should be referred to an Immunology clinic if primary immune deficiency (an immunodeficiency that is not due to other causes such as medications and lymphoma) or periodic fever/auto-inflammatory condition is suspected.

An allergist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma and other allergic diseases.

Changes in the Immune System: As we age, our immune system begins to weaken. This can make it more difficult for the body to fight off allergies. This means that older adults are more likely to experience allergic reactions to everyday substances like pollen and dust.

Why are my allergies so bad all of a sudden? ›

For example, you may have moved to a new area where you're now exposed to plants and trees you haven't encountered before. If you're spending more time working at home during the pandemic, you may have been exposed to dust mites. Maybe you added a furry friend to your family, and you're now surrounded by pet dander.

The most obvious symptom of perennial allergies is a chronically stuffy nose. The nose runs, producing a clear watery discharge. The nose, roof of the mouth, and back of the throat may itch. Itching may start gradually or abruptly.

Immunotherapy. A healthcare provider may recommend immunotherapy (allergy shots) and/or sublingual immunotherapy (allergy drops) if you can't manage your allergy symptoms through over-the-counter and prescription medications and avoiding allergens.

Yes, allergy shots are usually a good way to reduce long-term (chronic) allergy symptoms. They don't cure your allergies, but you won't need to use much or any medicine to relieve symptoms. Keep in mind that it may take up to a year of regular allergy shots before you start to see an improvement in your symptoms.

Clinical immunology/allergy specialists diagnose, treat and manage patients with allergies, immunodeficiencies and other immune diseases: Allergic diseases are amongst the fastest growing chronic disease and public health issues in Australia and New Zealand, affecting around 20% of the population.

An allergen is a substance that can cause an allergic reaction. In some people, the immune system recognizes allergens as foreign or dangerous. As a result, the immune system reacts by making a type of antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE) to defend against the allergen. This reaction leads to allergy symptoms.

Immunologists and rheumatologists may treat patients of all ages. More specifically, immunologists commonly treat patients with immunologic conditions and allergies. Rheumatologists, however, typically treat patients with autoimmune diseases and musculoskeletal conditions related to bones, joints and muscles.

Immunology is the study of the immune system and is a very important branch of the medical and biological sciences. The immune system protects us from infection through various lines of defence. If the immune system is not functioning as it should, it can result in disease, such as autoimmunity, allergy and cancer.