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Allergist
When the regular cycle and behavior of the immune system seem to be disrupted and disturbed, there is only one person to run to: the allergist.Definition
An allergist is a licensed medical practitioner, who is specially trained to handle immune system disorders such as asthma, sinusitis, eczema and the like. Not only that they know how to prevent and diagnose diseases related to the immune system, but they also know how to treat and manage them. This is due to their extensive study, research and practice to qualify in their field.
Their skills and knowledge is a product of intelligence, hard work and patience, as they undergo long years of education. Normally, the person must study for 4 years in college, 4 years in medical school and 3 years for residency training. After studying, he or she is required to take and pass the board exam to be called an internist or pediatrician. The person must then study again for 2 years for fellowship, which is now focused on immune system disorders. And finally, to be called an allergist, the student must pass an additional examination about allergy and immunology.
Types of Patients
Almost all diseases related to the body's immune system can be diagnosed and treated by the allergist. These include sinusitis, hives, venom allergy, latex allergy, food allergy and medication allergy. The most common of them are discussed below.
Approximately 300 million of people worldwide are affected by asthma, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The frequency of its occurrence and the intensity of its damage qualify it as one of the most chronic diseases. A person suffering from asthma has his or her lung bronchial tubes inflaming as a reaction to various stimuli.
Eczema or dermatitis is a skin disorder with the following symptoms: inflammation, itching, swelling and blistering. It can be sub-acute or chronic; sub-acute shows mild reactions while chronic causes leathery skin.
Hay fever or allergic rhinitis is caused by the body's overreaction to some air-carried substances such as molds, pollens and weeds. The most common symptoms are coughing, sneezing and itchy eyes. Just like asthma, it is also considered as one of the most common chronic diseases, especially in the United States.
Any kind of doctor can treat allergies and immune system disorders but what makes an allergist special is that he or she is the most trained most passionate in doing it.
Allergist doctors by state:
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
California
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin