What is a clinical immunologist?
A clinical immunologist is a doctor who specialises in diseases that affect the immune system.
What is the immune system?
The immune system is involved in defending the body from infection.
What medical conditions do immunologists treat?
Clinical immunologists treat all allergic and autoimmune conditions, including:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Sarcoidosis
- Scleroderma
- Raynaud’s disease
- CREST syndrome
- Sjogrens syndrome
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Other arthritis
- Allergy
- Urticaria
- Anaphylaxis
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
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What treatments do immunologists provide?
Clinical immunologists provide treatment for the many allergic and autoimmune problems people may suffer generally involves the adminstration of medications. These may include steroids or other immunosuppressant medications.
What to expect at your first visit with an immunologist
History
Your clinical immunologist will focus on your current symptoms, then ask about prior symptoms. They may also ask you about:
- Previous treatments and their efficacy is also very important
- Other medical problems
- Current medications
- Allergies
- Family and social history
Examination
Your clinical immunologist will begin with a general examination and will then focus on the area causing you most trouble. This will vary depending on the clinical presentation.
Training and qualifications
Entry into immunology training is usually very competitive. Once selected 4 years of specialty training follows.
Trainees work and operate under the supervision of a consultant / specialist immunologist.
Registrars must sit examinations, manage inpatients and outpatients and are encouraged to conduct research before eventually reaching specialty level.
Specialty areas of interest
- Paediatric immunology
- Allergy
Associated tests
- Blood tests particularly for autoantibodies
- Biopsy
- Skin prick testing for allergy
Links
- Find an Immunologist
- Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy
- The Australasian Society for Immunology
- RACP – Clinical Immunology & Allergy Training Program
- Wikipedia – Immunology
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This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If in doubt, HealthEngine recommends consulting with a registered health practitioner.
All content and media on the HealthEngine Blog is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call the emergency services immediately.
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