How to find an allergist near me

Search results for allergists near me

The search results give you each allergy specialist’s contact details and tells you how far away they are. You can click through to their website and get directions to their allergy clinic from where you are. If it’s an option they offer you can even book a video appointment.

Allergies can affect anyone, of any age, gender, race or income. Even mild symptoms can have an impact on daily life; a severe reaction may be life-threatening. You don’t have to struggle with your symptoms alone.

When should I see an allergist?

There are two main reasons to find an allergist. You don’t know what’s making you feel unwell and want to find out.

Or you have a diagnosis but your allergy is not under control. Maybe you want to find out more about expert care and treatment options such as allergy immunotherapy.

Our quick online checker can help you figure out if your allergies are getting on top of you. You might need an allergist appointment if any of these apply:

• Allergies are affecting your performance at work or school;
• You’re having to give up certain activities;
• Your symptoms are making you feel anxious or frustrated.

Have you ever needed emergency treatment for your allergies? If so, this could be a good time to see an allergist.

How can an allergist help?

Allergists are doctors specially trained to diagnose and treat health problems caused by an overactive immune system. In allergy your immune system mistakes a normally harmless substance for a threat and reacts in defense. Your body releases chemicals including histamine making you feel unwell. An allergist will assess your symptoms, your medical history and your family's medical history. They may also give you an allergy test to help make the diagnosis. The allergist may then provide you with a treatment plan.

Allergist, ENT or dermatologist

These specialities overlap. An allergist is a physician specially trained to identify allergic triggers and treat all types of allergies. An allergy can be a complex condition and may affect different areas of your body. An allergist can also prescribe the full range of treatment options from short-term medication to allergy immunotherapy.

An ENT specializes in medical conditions of the ear, nose, throat and neck. Respiratory allergies might cause symptoms in your airways, nose and throat. If you’re seeing an ENT specialist, allergy testing may be part of their diagnostic process. They may even suggest allergy immunotherapy.

Dermatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating skin conditions including those caused by allergy. The skin is the largest organ of the body. It's where allergy symptoms often show after contact with trigger allergens. Dermatologists may refer their patient to an allergist for further testing and to make the diagnosis. It would also be the allergist who prescribes treatments such as allergy immunotherapy if appropriate.

Should my child see a pediatric allergist?

All allergists are qualified to treat anyone but some choose to specialize in treating children.

The care of children with allergies can present particular challenges which pediatric allergists will come across every day. They know how to make examinations easier for young patients and how to tackle psychological issues that might arise. Children sometimes struggle to take part fully at school or manage friendships because they feel different from their peers. A pediatric allergist will also provide support to parents as they care for their allergic kids.

Use the filter in our online Find a Doctor tool at the top of this page to narrow your search down to pediatrics.

Getting a virtual appointment with an allergist

Online meetings and video conferencing have become part of everyday life in recent times. But it’s not new for many doctors. The first virtual consultation happened over 40 years ago using interactive television. Allergy is now one of the top medical conditions where patients receive medical care over the telephone or online. That’s why we offer it in our search tool.

The allergist may use a virtual first appointment to get information about your symptoms and background. Many allergies are environmental so it’s often helpful to offer them a video tour of your home, for them to assess your environment. The allergist doctor can then schedule an appointment for an allergy test if necessary. Routine follow-up visits to check how the treatment is going may also happen online or on the phone. Doctors can even use remote devices to monitor a patient at home. Telehealth doesn’t replace in-person consultations. But you should find it means fewer trips to the allergy specialist, saving you time even if they are nearby.