Allergies are formed when the body begins to react to things as if they were toxic to the body. People can be allergic to almost anything from peanuts to insect bites. Over 20 percent of the population suffers from allergic reactions. Allergies can cause any number of symptoms including sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, runny nose and wheezing. Rashes and hives are common allergic reactions that affect the skin. Severe allergic reactions can lead to disorders such as asthma. Allergists/immunologists can treat conditions such as asthma.
Allergists/immunologists are the best-qualified professionals available for managing the individual needs of people with allergies. They are specially trained in allergy diagnosis, treatment and prevention of immune system problems such as asthma and hay fever. Allergies require special, regular treatment by allergists/immunologists. These professionals are trained to properly administer and evaluate allergy tests such as skin allergy tests. Allergists/immunologists essentially help people with allergies control their symptoms.
Allergists/immunologists must complete several years of demanding training to become licensed allergists/immunologists. After successfully completing medical school, physicians must undergo training in pediatrics or internal medicine depending on what field they wish to enter. This training phase lasts approximately three years. The next step is passing either the ABIM (American Board of Internal Medicine) or the ABP (American Board of Pediatrics) exam, depending on the specialty chosen. A two-year allergy/immunology-focused fellowship traditionally follows. After a fellowship, potential allergists/immunologists must obtain certification from the ABAI to practice as an allergist/immunologist in the United States.
It is difficult to predict the future need for allergists/immunologists;, however, current trends indicaate that demand for certified allergists/immunologists will continue to rise in the near future. Allergists/immunologists reported between 50 and 60 percent increases in the volume of asthma cases, urticaria cases and sinusitis cases in 1999. Primary care physicians are more than capable of handling less complex allergy cases but more complex allergy problems are best left to allergists/immunologists. Like most physicians, allergist/immunologists are paid well with salaries ranging from $100,250 to $206,000 per year.