Allergy and Immunology

Allergy and Immunology is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of allergic disorders and immunological diseases. Allergies are caused by an inappropriate immune system response to a normally harmless substance, known as an allergen. Immunological diseases such as autoimmune diseases and immunodeficiencies are caused by a malfunction of the immune system. Allergy and Immunology deals with, among other things, diagnosing and treating conditions such as hay fever, asthma, food allergies, eczema, anaphylaxis, and drug allergies. Immunologists also evaluate and treat immunodeficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and immunosuppressive conditions such as HIV/AIDS and cancer. This branch of medicine is of significant importance as it helps to protect people from dangerous allergic reactions and immunological diseases.