Allergists (Allergy Doctors)
- Allergy testing for environmental, food, medication, and contact triggers.
- Personalized treatment, including medication and immunotherapy when appropriate.
- Care for adults and children.
- Same-day or next-day appointments often available.
Important Medical Notice
The information provided below and throughout this website is presented for general educational purposes only and does NOT constitute professional medical advice. This information is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice and NO material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a 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.
- Understanding Allergies and Their Causes
- Education and Specialized Training
- Professional Care and Symptom Management
Once training is completed, allergists can offer specialized medical care for those suffering from allergic conditions. They can also prescribe medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, or inhalers to help control symptoms and recommend lifestyle changes to reduce irritation from known triggers like dust mites or pet dander.
Allergists have the expertise to accurately diagnose and treat allergy-related illnesses so patients can get relief from uncomfortable symptoms quickly and safely without putting their overall health at risk. If you suffer from any type of allergy symptom, it is important to consult an allergy specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment for your condition.
Benefits of Seeing an Allergist
When it comes to treating allergies, seeing an allergist can be beneficial. Allergists are board-certified medical doctors with specialized training in diagnosing and managing allergic diseases. An allergist is specially trained to review your complete medical history and to evaluate you for any underlying conditions that may contribute to your symptoms. They will then assess the severity of your allergy and recommend the best course of action for effectively treating it.
A board-certified allergist has the expertise and resources necessary to diagnose, treat, and manage all types of allergies, including skin allergies, food allergies, asthma, hay fever, drug allergies and more. Seeing an allergist will allow you to receive expert care tailored specifically towards relieving your symptoms and improving your quality of life.
In addition to providing diagnosis and treatment options for allergy sufferers who visit their practice, a board-certified allergist can also provide recommendations for lifestyle changes or treatments that may help alleviate symptoms or prevent future reactions from occurring. This may include avoiding certain triggers, managing stress levels or taking preventive medication if needed.
An allergist can also work with your primary care physician or specialist doctor on coordinating any additional treatments such as allergy shots that may be required in order to improve outcomes over time. Allergists are dedicated to helping individuals suffering from allergy-related conditions find effective relief so they can lead healthier lives.
Types of Allergies and medical records
Diagnosing and Treating Allergies
Allergists are trained professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating allergies. The process of diagnosis typically begins with a detailed medical history, which includes questions about symptoms, possible triggers, and any previous tests or treatments that may have been done. After this, physical exams may be used to help diagnose the condition. This could include a skin prick test, blood tests, or even specialized lab testing depending on the severity of the allergy.
Once the allergist has identified what is causing the allergic reaction, they can develop a treatment plan to reduce and manage symptoms. This could involve lifestyle modifications such as avoiding certain triggers or taking medications like antihistamines or steroids depending on the severity of the allergy. Allergists may also recommend immunotherapy (allergy shots) for severe cases to desensitize an individual to their allergen over time
“Dr. Rosenstein is great! He quickly identified the problem and solution. He listens and explains things very well. The receptionists and everyone else were also very kind and helpful. I highly recommend Becker ENT & Allergy.”
— Jen Coulman
“Dr. Elias Akl was nice and took his time to talk with me about my situation. He explained how he wanted to proceed with my treatment and also he explained why he wanted to perform a certain test. He did not pressure me about it and asked me to think about it. I look forward to working with Dr. Akl for treatment of my allergies and asthma.”
— Heather Gray
“Dr. Akl and the staff at Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy are amazing! He spent a lot of time asking questions to determine possible causes of an ongoing chronic congestion, sinus, and respiratory issue. He was really informative and the staff is kind and very helpful. The 1.5 drive was totally worth it and we’ve found our new ENT & Allergy Specialist with Dr. Akl.”
“My visit today was very reassuring the doctor was patient and explained my medical issues. The office staff was very pleasant, the facility itself is very clean. I did not have a long wait. Thank you very very much Penn Medicine Becker ENT and Allergy.”
— Charlotte Jefferson
Why Choose Our Specialists?
Elias Akl, MD
Dr. Elias Akl, is a distinguished allergist and immunologist based in Philadelphia. He holds board certifications in Allergy and Immunology as well as Internal Medicine, showcasing his expertise in multiple medical disciplines. Dr. Akl is not only board-certified in internal medicine but also a Fellow of the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (FAAAAI).
Kathryn Edwards, MD
Dr. Kathryn Edwards, Director of Allergy & Immunology at The Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy Center, is a board-certified allergist and immunologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies, food allergies, skin conditions, and asthma. She is a highly trained physician with extensive experience in the military, where she served as a pediatrician and chief of Allergy/Immunology. Dr. Edwards provides care for patients of all ages, from neonates to geriatrics.
Naba Sharif, MD
Dr. Naba Sharif is a highly skilled board-certified Allergist and Immunologist with expertise in diagnosing and treating allergies, including environmental and seasonal allergies, food allergies, and asthma. She received her medical degree from SUNY at Stony Brook School of Medicine, completed a Pediatrics residency at Hasbro Children’s Hospital of Brown University, and pursued a fellowship in Allergy and Immunology at the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System. She practiced as a Pediatrician and Allergist-Immunologist at Kaiser Permanente in Washington DC, was recognized as a Top Doctor by Washingtonian Magazine from 2016 to 2020, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
Jamie Zacharias, MD
Dr. Jamie Zacharias is a highly accomplished and board-certified Allergist and Immunologist hailing from South Jersey. She pursued her education in her hometown, graduating from Bishop Eustace Preparatory School, and furthered her academic journey by earning her bachelor’s and medical degrees from Drexel University and the College of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Zacharias continued her medical training with an Internal Medicine internship and residency at Drexel University College of Medicine/Hahnemann University Hospital. Following this, she completed a comprehensive Allergy and Immunology fellowship at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, where she actively engaged in asthma research, particularly focusing on patient demographics and phenotyping.
Schedule an Allergist Consultation
Prior to joining the Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy family, Dr. Kathryn Edwards completed a 16-year career with the United States Army, serving military families as an Allergist specialist. Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of seasonal and environmental allergies, skin conditions, asthma, and food allergies; Dr. Edwards an East Windsor ENT specialist brings her extensive Allergist knowledge to our Robbinsville and Princeton offices.
Dr. Edwards performed her undergraduate studies at the University of Delaware and then proceeded onto these next accomplishments:
Dr. Edwards performed her undergraduate studies at the University of Delaware and then proceeded onto these next accomplishments:
- Joined the United States Army
- Attended the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
- Completed a Pediatric residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center where she a Board Certified Pediatrician
- Used her specialties while being deployed to Iraq to care for those in harm’s way
- Was selected into the highly competitive Allergy and Immunology fellowship program at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
- Included training at the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Served as assistant chief for several years
- Served as chief of Allergy/Immunology for her final 3 years in the military
- Received a B.S from Widener University where she conducted research in diabetes
- Received her medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Penn State Hershey Medical Center
- She has conducted quality improvement research in asthma, awarding her state honors and acquired a grant for an educational initiative on hereditary angioedema, a rare swelling disorder
- Member of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, the American College of Physicians, and the American Medical Association
- Published author, having presented at both national and world allergy conferences
convenient locations in NJ & PA
If you suffer from allergies or suspect that you might have developed an allergy, meeting with an allergist or a pediatric allergist at Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy can help you get the answers you’re looking for and get you on a path toward improving your long term quality of life. We offer expert diagnosis and treatment for patients with a range of allergies. To schedule an appointment, contact our telemedicine doctor today.
- Seasonal and Indoor Allergies
- “Hay fever”
- Allergic rhinitis
- Allergies to pollen, pet, mold, and dust
- Eye allergies or allergic conjunctivitis
- Skin allergies
- Contact dermatitis
- Eczema
- Atopic dermatitis
- Chronic itching
- Hives or urticaria
- Angioedema or swelling conditions
- Anaphylaxis
- Drug allergies
- Food allergies
- Oral allergy syndrome or pollen food allergy syndrome
- Eosinophilic esophagitis
- Recurrent infections, immunodeficiency
- Latex allergy
- Stinging Insect or venom allergies
- Allergy Testing – Pollen, Pet, Mold, Dust, Food, and Drug
- Allergy Shots or Immunotherapy
- Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) or ‘Allergy Drops’
- Patch Testing
- Pulmonary Function Testing
Frequently Asked Questions
About Allergy
What does an allergist do?
An allergist specializes in diagnosing and treating allergies, asthma, and immune system disorders. They help identify what triggers your symptoms and create a treatment plan to manage or eliminate them.
When should I see an allergist?
You should see an allergist if you experience persistent allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, itching, or breathing difficulties, or if over-the-counter medications aren’t effective. They can also help if you have asthma or recurrent infections.
How does an allergist diagnose allergies?
Allergists use several methods to diagnose allergies, including skin tests, blood tests, and reviewing your medical history. These tests help determine your allergic triggers, such as pollen, pet dander, or certain foods.
Can an allergist help with food allergies?
Yes, an allergist can diagnose and treat food allergies. They will identify the foods causing your reactions and provide guidance on how to avoid them and what to do in case of accidental exposure.
Do I need a referral to see an allergist?
It depends on your insurance plan. Some require a referral from your primary care doctor, while others allow you to schedule an appointment directly with an allergist. It’s best to check with your insurance provider.
What is the difference between an allergist and an immunologist?
An allergist focuses on diagnosing and treating allergic conditions, while an immunologist deals with broader immune system disorders. Many allergists are also immunologists, meaning they treat both allergies and immune-related diseases.
How can I find an allergist?
You can search online for allergists in your area for our locations and ask Dr. Becker about your concerns.
What treatments are available for allergies?
Allergists will develop an individual treatment plan depending on the severity of the allergy which could involve lifestyle modifications such as avoiding certain triggers or taking medications like antihistamines or steroids depending on the severity of the allergy In severe cases, immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be recommended to desensitize an individual to their allergen over time.