WHAT IS

AN ALLERGIST?

The importance of finding a Specialist Immunologist and Allergist

It’s no secret, allergic diseases are on the increase around the globe and it’s vital to secure the services of a qualified specialist in the field. Tests and treatments prescribed by non-specialist practitioners are not always scientifically validated ones and often an expensive waste of money. Often patients are left with significant out of pocket expenses, as the services being provided by a non-specialist and have no or minimal Medicare rebates.

The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunologists and Allergists (ASCIA) have a position paper on these “allergy clinics” and recommends that only limited treatments or tests should be initiated outside the supervision of a qualified specialist in the field of Immunology and Allergy.

Allergists are specialist physicians in Immunology and Allergy and will be Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP) or hold equivalent specialist physician qualifications from an international body.

All specialist physicians in Immunology and Allergy will have completed basic physician training in either adult medicine or paediatrics before undertaking advanced training.

Only allergy specialists have the skills set, training and knowledge to be able to diagnose, investigate and manage patients suffering from the following conditions.

Allergic disease
Primary and secondary immunodeficiencies
Systemic autoimmune and auto-inflammatory conditions

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The Role of your Allergist/Immunologist

An allergist is a specialist doctor trained to help people prevent, diagnose and manage their allergies and other immune system diseases. Allergists undertake highly-specialised in-depth training into the field of allergies and how environmental factors can impact on our immune systems.

Allergists/immunologists can also look at immunodeficiencies and autoinflammatory conditions.

Treating allergic rhinitis (Hay Fever) and chronic sinusitis.
Asthma, wheeze and cough including the use and interpretation of simple spirometry plus the recognition of severe asthma. Harnessing the knowledge of the use of immune-modulatory therapies in asthma, including biological treatments
Allergen Immunotherapy Specialist physicians in Immunology and Allergy have the skills and knowledge to prescribe and manage allergen immunotherapy, including:
- Initiating subcutaneous injection immunotherapy (SCIT) , Initiating sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in mono- and poly-sensitized patients
- Acute and chronic urticaria & Angioedema from Initial evaluation whether it be Allergic, Idiopathic or Drug-induced.
Anaphylaxis including, diagnosis of likely cause, confirmation by testing, Construction of an anaphylaxis management plan. Advice on trigger avoidance We also Liaise and advise patients, carers, community groups and institutions to ensure the safety of those diagnosed with anaphylaxis. Education regarding allergen avoidance to the patient and carers and communication of an anaphylaxis management including prescription of an adrenaline autoinjector
Non-IgE-mediated food allergy and hypersensitivity syndromes. Prescribing of elimination diets and consultation with specialist dietitians where indicated.
Prescribing, supervising and conducting safe oral food allergen challenge testing
Drug and Vaccine Hypersensitivity. Diagnosis of drug hypersensitivity and Interpretation of in vivo and in vitro testing to determine a cause of drug allergy
Stinging insect allergy: Diagnosis including history of the condition – Use of specific IgE testing, the role and limitations of skin prick and intradermal testing to facilitate diagnosis
Occupational rhinitis, asthma and dermatitis
Complex autoimmune, connective tissue, immunodeficiency disorders

Are allergists doctors?

Absolutely. Allergists are doctors who’ve undertaken their medical training before going on to specialise in allergies and immunology.

Do I need a referral to see an allergist/immunologist?

Yes. A referral from your GP is required to see an allergist. You’ll generally be referred if you visit your doctor with symptoms of an allergic disease (for example, allergic rhinitis, asthma) or severe allergies to foods, medication or insects.

If you’ve ever experienced anaphylaxis in your life, it’s important to make sure you’re referred to an allergist immediately, if you haven’t been already.

People experiencing eczema, immunodeficiencies, autoimmune or autoinflammatory diseases are also likely to be referred.

I’m not sure if I’m allergic or just have a food intolerance. Should I see an allergist?

Food allergies and food intolerances are very different things, involving different body systems and functions. An allergy is your immune system responding to a trigger (in this case, a particular food) and treating that food as if it’s invading your body. The allergic reaction is your body’s response to the trigger. An intolerance is likely to involve other bodily responses and systems. If you’re not sure if you have an allergy or not, your GP should be your first stop. If further testing is needed, you will likely be referred to an allergist. If you have a food intolerance, your GP should be able to recommend a course of action.

Is allergy testing dangerous?

Skin prick testing is usually a very straight-forward affair, as most people only have minor reactions to allergens. Even children are generally fine with this procedure. More serious reactions can be treated with antihistamines and severe reactions are very rare.

The procedure should always be performed by a qualified allergist to make sure that triggers are given in controlled doses and reactions are closely monitored, just in case you do react in an unexpected way.