When Should You See an Immunologist?
If you’re experiencing frequent infections, unexplained allergies, or autoimmune issues, it might be time to consult an immunologist. Dr. Oral Alpan, MD, and the specialists at Amerimmune Clinic focus on diagnosing and treating immune system disorders. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in McLean VA, Alexandria VA, Arlington VA, Bethesda MD, Gaithersburg MD, and Rockville MD.


Table of Contents:
What are common signs that indicate a need to see an immunologist?
How do immunologists determine if your immune system is functioning properly?
Are autoimmune diseases a reason to seek care from an immunologist?
What role does an immunologist play in managing allergies and immune deficiencies?
If you find yourself dealing with frequent, recurrent, or unusually severe infections—whether bacterial, viral, or fungal—that require repeated courses of antibiotics or other treatments, it may be time to seek the expertise of an immunologist. Our team at Amerimmune Clinic is well-equipped to diagnose and manage these challenging cases.
For those with a family history of primary immunodeficiency disorders, consulting with our clinic can be an important step in understanding and addressing potential genetic predispositions to immune system challenges. We offer thorough assessments to identify any underlying issues that could impact your health.
Chronic conditions such as sinusitis, bronchitis, or ear infections that do not respond to standard treatments may also benefit from specialized care at Amerimmune Clinic. Our immunologists are experienced in identifying and treating the root causes of these persistent problems.
Unexplained gastrointestinal issues, like persistent diarrhea or malabsorption, can sometimes be linked to immune deficiencies. At Amerimmune Clinic, we provide targeted evaluations to uncover these underlying conditions effectively.
Autoimmune symptoms, including unexplained inflammation, fatigue, joint pain, or skin rashes, deserve careful attention and investigation. Our clinic offers expert evaluations to help pinpoint the causes of these symptoms and develop a tailored treatment strategy.
Severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, or unexplained allergic symptoms may require specialized management. We provide comprehensive allergy assessments and treatments to ensure your safety and well-being.
Additionally, if you’ve experienced adverse reactions to vaccines or have difficulty recovering from illnesses, it might be beneficial to undergo an immunological assessment at our clinic. We are committed to identifying any underlying immune disorders that could be impacting your recovery.
We begin with a thorough clinical evaluation, taking a detailed medical history and discussing symptoms that may suggest immune dysfunction. This initial assessment helps us identify any patterns or recurrent infections, which could indicate underlying issues with the immune system.
Our diagnostic process includes a variety of laboratory tests. We often start with a complete blood count (CBC) to evaluate the levels of different blood cells, particularly white blood cells, which are crucial to the immune response. Abnormalities in these levels can signal potential immune system problems. We also measure immunoglobulin levels to assess the presence and functionality of antibodies, essential proteins that help protect against infections.
We utilize specialized tests to further investigate the immune system’s components. Skin tests assess cell-mediated immunity by evaluating delayed-type hypersensitivity responses.
Our advanced diagnostic capabilities include flow cytometry, a sophisticated technique that analyzes the presence and proportion of various immune cells in the blood. This test allows us to identify specific subsets of immune cells, pinpointing defects or abnormalities in the immune response.
Through these comprehensive evaluations, Amerimmune Clinic provides a detailed understanding of each patient’s immune health. Our goal is to identify any deficiencies or abnormalities that may require intervention, ensuring that our patients’ immune systems are well-equipped to fend off diseases effectively. With a focus on personalized care, we work closely with our patients to develop tailored treatment plans that support and enhance their immune function.
Our clinic is staffed with experienced immunologists who are dedicated to diagnosing and managing autoimmune disorders. With a deep understanding of immune system functions and the complex mechanisms underlying autoimmune diseases, our team is adept at developing personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. This individualized approach is crucial, as autoimmune diseases can manifest differently in every person.
We provide comprehensive guidance on medications, lifestyle modifications, and other therapeutic interventions that can alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Early diagnosis and effective management are pivotal in preventing long-term damage to affected organs and tissues.
Beyond treatment, education is a cornerstone of our approach. We empower our patients by helping them understand their conditions, enabling them to make informed health decisions and recognize early signs of flare-ups or complications. This proactive strategy is integral to achieving better disease management and enhancing overall outcomes.
In managing allergies, our immunologists employ a thorough approach to identify specific allergens responsible for triggering symptoms. By utilizing patient history, skin tests, and blood tests, we accurately pinpoint these triggers. Our tailored treatment plans include strategies for allergen avoidance, along with medications such as antihistamines or corticosteroids.
For patients facing immune deficiencies, whether genetic or acquired, Amerimmune Clinic provides a detailed assessment of the underlying causes and severity of the immune dysfunction. Our immunologists conduct in-depth investigations to diagnose specific types of immune deficiencies and customize treatment plans aimed at boosting the immune response. This may involve the administration of immunoglobulins to provide the necessary antibodies or other therapies designed to prevent infections and promote overall health.
At Amerimmune Clinic, we are committed to providing cutting-edge care and fostering advancements in immunology to enhance the quality of life for our patients. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you. We serve patients from McLean VA, Alexandria VA, Arlington VA, Bethesda MD, Gaithersburg MD, Rockville MD, Vienna VA, IdylWood VA, Lincolnia VA, Groveton VA, Falls Church VA, North Bethesda MD, Takoma Park MD, Montgomery Village MD, Redland MD, Aspen Hill MD, and surrounding areas.

Additional Services You May Need
▸ Allergy Consultation
▸ Immunology Consultation
▸ Allergen Immunotherapy
▸ Allergy Vials
▸ Allergy Shots
▸ Biological Drug Administration
▸ Diagnostic Testing
▸ Skin Prick Testing
▸ Allergy Patch Testing
▸ Oral Food Challenge Testing
▸ Nasal Swab Culture Testing
▸ Routine Venipuncture Testing
▸ Telehealth
▸ Immunology Testing
▸ Food Allergy Testing

Additional Services You May Need
▸ Allergy Consultation
▸ Immunology Consultation
▸ Allergen Immunotherapy
▸ Allergy Vials
▸ Allergy Shots
▸ Biological Drug Administration
▸ Diagnostic Testing
▸ Skin Prick Testing
▸ Allergy Patch Testing
▸ Oral Food Challenge Testing
▸ Nasal Swab Culture Testing
▸ Routine Venipuncture Testing
▸ Telehealth
▸ Immunology Testing
▸ Food Allergy Testing