Immunologist

An Immunologist can be described as a medical specialist trained to prevent, diagnose, manage and treat diseases that result from abnormalities of the immune system. Immunologists are highly qualified and trained to treat immune system disorders such as allergies, asthma, inherited immunodeficiency diseases and autoimmune diseases. Clinical immunologists and allergy specialists undergo similar training as with any other medical specialists. After completion of four years of premedical education at a college or university, they receive at least four years of medical school education. After receiving general training in internal medicine, they receive additional training in immunology and allergy areas. Immunologists are involved in a gamut of work areas, in hospitals, private practice, diagnostic immunology laboratories, research centers and industrial houses. The medical immunologist or allergy specialist primarily identifies and treats the diseases that result from abnormalities of the immune system.

• Patients are referred by a general physician for further diagnosis, confirmation and management of clinical disorders of the immune system.
  
• Patients seeking the advice of an immunologist for education regarding disorders of the immune system.
  
• Patients suffering from life threatening allergies such as anaphylaxis.
  
• When food or occupational allergy is suspected, the patient is referred to an immunologist.
  
• When a physician contemplates immunotherapy for treatment of allergic diseases, the patient is sent to the immunologist.
  
• Patients suffering from asthma exhibiting continuing poor control despite regular use of asthma medication.
  
• Patients with unexplained inflammation such as fevers of unknown origin, unexplained fevers, weight loss.
  
• For investigation of recurrent or unusual opportunistic infections.