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Types of Allergy Doctors

Allergies are bodily reactions triggered by the immune system responding adversely to foreign matter, such as pollen, dander and ingredients in cosmetics and detergents, or to certain foods, such as shellfish, peanuts and dairy. General practice doctors can address allergies, but there also specialists with advanced training in treating allergies. Types of specialists include otolaryngologists, dermatologists and allergist-immunologists.

  1. Otolaryngologist

    • The more common name for an otolaryngologist is an ear, nose and throat doctor. Otolaryngologists can diagnose, treat and prescribe medicine for allergies that affect the sinuses and respiratory system. A common type of sinus allergy is hay fever, which is caused by breathing in an airborne allergen such as pollen or dust. Hay fever can cause sneezing, runny nose and coughing and also can trigger watery or puffy eyes. Sinus allergies also can trigger attacks in asthmatics. Mold spore allergies can also affect the sinuses, causing a runny nose and raspy breathing. An otolaryngologist will test for allergies by doing a physical exam and possibly a blood or skin test.

    Dermatologist

    • A dermatologist specializes in the skin, hair and nails and can diagnose, treat and prescribe medicine for skin allergies. Skin allergies often show up in the form of hives, rashes, eczema, dryness or flaking and include latex allergies, which result in delayed dermatitis or immediate hypersensitivity; cosmetic and detergent allergies, where the skin reacts to preservatives or fragrances in the product; sun allergies, where the skin is very easily damaged by ultraviolet rays; and bee sting allergies, which can cause skin, face and throat swelling. The skin's reaction to contact with poison plants such as poison oak and ivy is also a type of allergic response and mold allergies can also result in skin problems. A dermatologist will typically do a skin test and possibly a blood test to determine skin allergies.

    Allergist-Immunologist

    • An allergist-immunologist is a board-certified physician trained to work with all forms of allergies and problems with the immune system. An allergist-immunologist can treat sinus allergies, skin allergies, food allergies and medicine allergies. Allergist-immunologists often focus in a specific area such as internal medicine or pediatrics. Some doctors of internal medicine and pediatricians also have a secondary focus in allergies and the immune system. Allergist-immunologists are not only trained to diagnose and treat allergies but are also trained in preventive and rehabilitative care.

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