Allergy and Immunology
By: Yael PutneyAn allergist diagnoses and treats many conditions related to the immune system. Some of the conditions that might be treated in this specialty are: asthma, hay fever, eczema, chronic headaches, and allergies to food, drugs, or pets.
An allergic reaction occurs when a person is exposed to allergens. The reaction can be mild or severe. Hay fever is an example of a mild allergy. Drug allergies are often at the other end of the spectrum, and can be life-threatening when there is an anaphylactic reaction.
An allergist uses many tests to diagnose allergic conditions, including skin and blood tests. The doctor can then suggest a variety of treatments: drug therapy, such as antihistamines and steroids; allergy shots to desensitize you to the allergen; and advice on how to avoid exposure to the allergen (special diets and environmental changes).
Resources
http://www.foodallergy.org/
http://www.aaaai.org/
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