A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ALLERGIST: FOOD ALLERGIES

Allergology is so much more than 'itchy noses'. It is a broad subspecialty which encompasses immunological 'mishaps' in many organ systems. Part of the art of allergology is sorting out the 'normal' from both the 'allergic' and the 'alternative diagnoses'. The allergist needs to be able to see through common misperceptions. This is achieved by arranging appropriate tests for the patient in a targeted rather than generic way, recognising patterns of symptoms which can lead to the diagnosis, gently guiding the patient into accepting the real diagnosis and setting out management plans for the long term as well as for acute exacerbations and emergencies. It is one of the few subspecialties which deals with the whole patient rather than homing in on a specific organ system. The variety is stimulating and challenging, as demonstrated by a series of cases in the 'day in the life of an allergist.'