What Is an Allergist? Duties, Treatments & Careers

Key Takeaways

• Allergists diagnose and treat allergies, asthma, and immune-related conditions, offering patients long-term relief.
• Becoming an allergist includes medical school, residency, and specialized fellowship training, taking around 9–10 years.
• Allergists have diverse career options, including private practice, hospitals, research, and teaching, with a strong job demand and competitive salaries.

Allergies can be triggered by almost anything. For children, milk is the most common allergen, while adults are more likely to react to shellfish — but that’s just food-related allergies. With over 50 million people in the U.S. affected, allergens exist everywhere, causing reactions that range from mild sneezing to life-threatening anaphylaxis. 

Managing these reactions is essential, and that’s where allergists step in. These specialists diagnose, treat, and help patients navigate their allergies, improving their quality of life and providing crucial medical support. Let’s answer the question “What is an allergist?” and the benefits that come with this career.

What Is an Allergist?

An allergist is a doctor with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies, asthma, and immune system disorders. Their job goes beyond just prescribing antihistamines (medications that block the effects of an allergic reaction); they also help patients manage everything from seasonal pollen allergies to life-threatening food reactions.

Their practice covers a wide range of conditions, including all kinds of allergies and immune disorders that make people more prone to infections. They also treat asthma, ensuring patients can breathe easier and avoid dangerous flare-ups. For example,  if you’ve ever met someone who carries an EpiPen or struggles with chronic asthma, an allergist is likely behind their treatment plan.

Through testing, immunotherapy (allergy shots), and personalized treatment plans, allergists improve the quality of life for people of all ages. For medical students interested in problem-solving, patient education, and long-term care, this specialty offers a fulfilling and dynamic career path.

What Does an Allergist Do?

When looking at the bigger picture, allergists handle many key responsibilities, with each having its effect in fighting allergies and raising awareness around them. Some of the most important tasks they take on include:

• Diagnosing allergies – Allergists use skin tests, blood tests, and patient evaluations to identify specific allergies.
• Developing treatment plans – Every patient is different, so allergists create personalized plans that may include antihistamines, corticosteroids, immunotherapy (allergy shots), or lifestyle adjustments to reduce exposure to triggers.
• Educating patients – Managing allergies isn’t just about medication. Allergists teach patients how to recognize symptoms, avoid allergens, and handle severe reactions – especially those requiring an EpiPen.
• Collaborating with other specialists – Allergies often overlap with conditions like asthma, eczema, or sinus issues. Therefore, allergists can be found working with pulmonologists, dermatologists, and other doctors to ensure patients receive well-rounded care.

Types of Allergies Treated by Allergists

Allergists specialize in identifying and treating a wide range of allergic conditions, helping patients manage reactions that range from mild discomfort to life-threatening emergencies. Some of the most common allergies they treat include:

• Environmental allergies – Pollen, dust mites, mold, and pets with fur can trigger sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion. Seasonal allergies (hay fever) are especially common and can make daily life miserable without proper management. About 1 in 3 U.S. adults and more than 1 in 4 children have reported experiencing a seasonal allergy, eczema, or food allergy.
• Food allergies – Some people experience severe immune reactions to foods like peanuts, shellfish, dairy, and eggs. Even small exposures can cause hives, swelling, digestive issues, or anaphylaxis, a dangerous reaction requiring immediate medical attention.
• Drug allergies – Certain medications, including antibiotics (like penicillin, the most common drug allergen) and pain relievers (like aspirin), can cause rashes, swelling, or more severe responses. Allergists help determine safe alternatives for these patients.
• Insect allergies – About two million Americans are reportedly allergic to insect stings. Stings from bees, wasps, or fire ants can lead to serious allergic reactions in some individuals, requiring emergency intervention and long-term prevention strategies.

With a mix of diagnostic testing, treatment options, and patient education, allergists play a crucial role in helping people avoid triggers and live healthier, more comfortable lives.

When to See an Allergist

Seeing an allergist is a good idea when allergies start to interfere with daily life or become difficult to manage with over-the-counter medications. While mild allergies can often be handled with basic treatments, persistent or severe reactions may need a specialist’s care.

Signs that it may be time to consult an allergist include:

• Frequent sneezing or congestion – If you constantly have a runny or stuffy nose, especially around pollen, dust, or pets, an allergist can help pinpoint the cause.
• Skin rashes or hives – Unexplained itching, redness, or swelling may be linked to an allergic reaction.
• Difficulty breathing or wheezing – Allergies and asthma often go hand in hand. If you experience shortness of breath, especially after exposure to allergens, professional care is crucial.
• Reactions to foods or medications – If eating certain foods or taking medications leads to swelling, stomach pain, or more serious symptoms, an allergist can help identify safe alternatives.

If allergies are disrupting sleep, work, or daily activities, or if they lead to chronic conditions like asthma or eczema, getting professional help can improve quality of life and prevent complications.

How to Become an Allergist

Becoming an allergist requires years of specialized training, but the journey is straightforward for those committed to the field. The educational path includes:

• Earning a bachelor’s degree – Typically in a science-related field like biology or chemistry. Strong grades and extracurriculars help with medical school admission.
• Attending medical school (4 years) – Students earn a medical degree, gaining a foundation in medicine through coursework and clinical rotations.
• Completing a residency in internal medicine or pediatrics (3 years) – Since allergists treat both children and adults, they first train as internists or pediatricians.
• Pursuing an allergy and immunology fellowship (2 years) – This specialized training focuses on diagnosing and treating allergies, asthma, and immune disorders.
• Obtaining board certification – After completing training, allergists take exams to become certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI).

After years of study and hands-on experience, allergists enter a rewarding career helping patients manage allergies and improving their quality of life. 

Benefits of Becoming an Allergist

Becoming an allergist comes with several benefits. The work-life balance is often better than in other medical specialties, with fewer emergency cases and more predictable hours. 

Financially, allergists earn a competitive salary, and there are multiple career paths, including private practice, academic research, or hospital-based work. 

Career pathways

After completing their education and training, allergists have several career paths to choose from, depending on their interests and work preferences:

• Private practice – Many allergists open their own clinics, allowing them to manage their schedules and patient load while building long-term relationships with their patients.
• Group practice – Some join multi-specialty or allergy-focused group practices, working alongside other physicians while sharing resources and responsibilities.
• Hospital or academic medical center – Allergists in hospitals treat a wider range of patients, often working with other specialists to manage complex cases.

Within the field of allergy and immunology, some allergists choose to specialize further. They may focus on pediatric allergies, working primarily with children, or become experts in managing asthma and chronic respiratory conditions. Others concentrate on autoimmune diseases or specific immune system disorders, helping patients whose conditions go beyond typical allergies.

For those interested in education and research, there are opportunities to teach medical students and residents in university settings. Some allergists also work with pharmaceutical companies, helping develop new allergy treatments and conducting clinical trials. This mix of career options allows allergists to shape their careers based on their passions and professional goals.

Salary & job outlook

Allergists in the United States earn an average annual salary of approximately $236,601, equating to about $114.00 per hour.

Salaries can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and practice setting. For instance, in Michigan, the average annual salary for an allergist is $206,220, or $99.14 per hour.

The job outlook for allergists is positive, with a projected growth rate of 6% by 2030. Furthermore, the number of job openings is estimated to increase from 349,432 positions to 371,022. This demand is driven by a growing population and an aging demographic, leading to a higher incidence of allergic and immunologic conditions. Research shows that allergies can often worsen with age. 

Overall, a career as an allergist offers a competitive salary and a promising job outlook, making it an attractive option for medical professionals interested in allergy and immunology.

The Bottom Line

Becoming an allergist is a rewarding career that combines patient care, problem-solving, and long-term treatment strategies. These specialists diagnose and manage allergies, asthma, and immune disorders, helping patients cope with the discomfort allergies can cause. With multiple career paths—private practice, hospitals, research, and teaching—there’s flexibility in how allergists shape their work. 

The field also offers strong job security, a competitive salary, and a growing demand for specialists. For students interested in medicine and seeking a balanced, impactful career, becoming an allergist provides a fulfilling path with plenty of opportunities to make a real difference. Explore our MD program and find your ideal path today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between an allergist and an immunologist?

An allergist specializes in diagnosing and treating allergies, asthma, and related conditions, while an immunologist focuses on the broader immune system, including autoimmune diseases and immune deficiencies.

How long does it take to become an allergist?

It takes about 9–10 years after college, including four years of medical school, three years of residency in internal medicine or pediatrics, and two years of an allergy and immunology fellowship.