Allergy Medicine

This module provides a comprehensive understanding of anaphylaxis, a rapidly increasing, potentially life-threatening condition. The curriculum is divided into five key units, covering everything from the historical background to advanced management strategies.

Unit one explores the historical context, definition, and epidemiology of anaphylaxis. It highlights the most frequent causes, including food, medication, and venom from insect stings.

Unit two focuses on the pathophysiology and aetiology of anaphylaxis, examining temporal patterns, cofactors, and risk factors that contribute to its onset.

Unit three discusses the clinical features and timing of reactions, with a detailed guide on diagnosis and differential diagnoses.

Unit four reviews treatment protocols in the community setting, emphasising the critical role of adrenaline, as well as the use of antihistamines, corticosteroids, and appropriate first aid measures. Special populations, including pregnant women and pediatric patients, are also discussed. This unit includes observation guides post-adrenaline administration and a clinical case study.

Unit five covers post-event management, including referrals, investigations, and patient education. It includes information on adrenaline auto-injectors (AAI), action plans, allergen avoidance, and immunotherapy. Two additional case studies provide practical insights into managing this condition effectively. 

This module provides a comprehensive understanding of food allergies and anaphylaxis, focusing on key aspects of diagnosis, management, and patient care. In unit one, practitioners are introduced to the differences between allergy and tolerance, epidemiology, and common food allergens such as dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, soy, fish, shellfish, and wheat. Unit two delves into the mechanisms underlying food allergies and anaphylaxis, covering the pathophysiology of specific allergens, the causes of allergic reactions, and cross-reactivity between allergens. In unit three, practitioners explore the clinical features of anaphylaxis, including the stages of symptom onset and clinical management, with a focus on diagnostic tools, history-taking, and related conditions such as food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES), lactose intolerance, and eosinophilic esophagitis, illustrated by two clinical case studies. Unit four addresses the management of food allergies, emphasising the importance of specialist and dietitian referrals, nutritional considerations in food elimination, and support for patients with FPIES or egg allergies, as well as a clinical case discussion. Unit five focuses on the management of anaphylaxis, including the use of antihistamines and corticosteroids, acute treatment of non-anaphylactic allergic reactions, and immunomodulation techniques. It also covers practical tools like milk and egg food ladders and offers resources for patient and caregiver support. 

This module on allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis covers the key aspects of these common conditions and emphasises the role of general practitioners (GPs) in patient education and management. The first unit discusses the history, definition, and epidemiology of these conditions, along with their consequences and associated comorbidities. The second unit focuses on the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis, explaining the anatomy and functions of the nose, sinuses, and eyes, and the role of genetics. Unit three provides a classification of allergic rhinitis, including the ARIA guidelines on its impact on asthma. Clinical investigations, and subtypes of allergic conjunctivitis are discussed. Clinical images and red flags are used for enhanced learning. In unit four, allergy testing options, differential diagnoses, and nonallergic rhinitis subtypes are outlined, with two clinical cases discussed for practical insight. The final unit covers general management principles, pharmacotherapy, and treatment options for allergic conjunctivitis, including special considerations for pregnant and breastfeeding patients, allergen immunotherapy, and management of thunderstorm asthma. An additional clinical case is presented.  

The Primary Certificate of Allergy Medicine is for medical doctors and degree-qualified health professionals. The course assumes no prior knowledge or training in the field.

Participants do not have to pass an IELTS test but, as the courses are delivered in English, proficiency in listening, reading and writing English is assumed.

Participants will require access to a computer/laptop, an internet connection and a basic level of technology proficiency to access and navigate the online learning portal.

Professionally recognised qualifications and prior studies may be recognised for entry into this course if the learning outcomes match exactly. Please ask a HealthCert Education Advisor for an individual assessment of your prior qualifications and experience.

Upon successful completion of the course requirements, course participants will receive the Primary Certificate of Allergy Medicine, and CPD hours.

Fees will vary based on the program and study option selected (fully online vs online + optional practical workshop). Payments can be made upfront or in monthly instalments. Special rates and various payment options are available. GP registrars and doctors in training enjoy a scholarship of up to $500. Talk to us to learn more.

Completion of any HealthCert course or attendance at an event will enable you to access the HealthCert Alumni Program which includes:

• Access to special alumni rates for new courses when they are released.
• Special alumni price for HealthCert Conferences.
• Exclusive advanced access to HealthCert events.
• Regular Alumni Webinars pertaining to the course(s) you have attended. These will provide content review of the course and an opportunity to discuss case studies.
• Access to the video lectures as seen during the course(s) that you have attended.

HealthCert Education is pleased to issue digital credentials for alumni. Digital credentials are a permanent online record of your successful completion of a HealthCert course and are issued to all course participants in addition to PDF certificates. If you are based in Australia, you also have the option to order a hard copy of your digital certificate for a small additional fee.

The recommended study duration of this certificate course is 28.5 hours, which includes study of the pre-course activities and readings, online lectures, live tutorials, and online assessment. This self-paced course offers the flexibility of 100% online study in your own time, at your own pace, in your own home or office, with no mandatory face-to-face requirements. You are not required to be online at specific times but can view and replay video lectures at your convenience.

All HealthCert courses meet World Federation of Medical Education standards. This certificate course qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) in Australia. It is recognised by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) in New Zealand. It is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP) in China. It is a self-submitted activity in Dubai and the United Kingdom. It is a self-submitted activity through the College of Family Physicians in Canada. If you live or work outside one of the above-mentioned countries, please contact us on admin@healthcert.com to discuss whether this course can be recognised in your country.