Dr. Irene Iljoo Chair – Allergist / Immunologist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Irene Iljoo Chair is a dedicated Allergist / Immunologist, committed to providing expert care for patients of all ages with allergic or immunologic conditions. Practicing at an allergy and immunology clinic in Vancouver in Vancouver, BC, she is a trusted provider of specialized allergy and immunology care in the community. She adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care. As a skilled Allergist / Immunologist, she focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergies, asthma, and disorders of the immune system. The clinic is dedicated to creating a supportive environment, utilizing the latest diagnostic tools and treatment strategies to help patients achieve better health outcomes.

Dr. Chair graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 2015. Following her medical qualification, she completed residency training in Internal Medicine and subsequently pursued a fellowship in Clinical Immunology and Allergy. She is a board-certified Allergist / Immunologist with extensive postgraduate training in allergy and immunology, ensuring her expertise aligns with current Canadian and international standards.

Her professional philosophy centers on accurate diagnosis and personalized management of allergic and immunologic conditions. She is committed to empowering her patients with knowledge about their health, promoting self-management strategies, and utilizing evidence-based approaches and the latest advancements in allergy and immunology. Dr. Chair aims to improve her patients' quality of life by minimizing symptoms and preventing severe reactions. She values collaborative care, working closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to provide comprehensive treatment. Additionally, she is proficient in Korean, ensuring clear communication with a diverse patient population in Vancouver.

Dr. Irene Chair provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of allergic and immunologic conditions, including:

Food and Drug Allergies

Dr. Chair manages adverse immune reactions to specific foods or medications, which can range from mild symptoms to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

• Common Food Allergies (e.g., Peanut, Tree Nuts, Milk, Egg, Soy, Wheat, Fish, Shellfish): Requires careful dietary management, label reading, and an emergency action plan.
• Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) - Allergy Related: Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, food impaction, and abdominal pain.
• Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES): Requires strict avoidance of trigger foods and careful reintroduction strategies.

Immunodeficiency Disorders

Dr. Chair manages can be primary (genetic) or secondary (acquired due to other conditions or treatments).

• Recurrent Infections (Evaluation for Underlying Immunodeficiency): May involve detailed immunological testing.
• Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases (PIDD): Managed with immunoglobulin replacement, prophylactic antibiotics, and sometimes stem cell transplant.
• Humoral (Antibody) Deficiencies: Disorders where the body doesn't produce enough antibodies (immunoglobulins) to fight off infections effectively.

Respiratory Allergies

Dr. Chair manages allergic reactions affecting the airways, commonly triggered by airborne allergens like pollens, dust mites, molds, and animal dander.

• Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): Treated with antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays, and allergen immunotherapy.
• Allergic Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye) due to allergens, causing itchy, red, watery, and swollen eyes.
• Allergic Asthma: Asthma triggered or worsened by exposure to allergens, leading to airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. Irene Chair is necessary.

• Pulmonary Function Testing (Spirometry) for Asthma: Helps assess airway obstruction and response to treatment.
• Patch Testing for Contact Dermatitis: Involves applying patches with small amounts of suspected allergens to the skin for 48-72 hours.
• Insect Sting (Venom) Allergy Diagnosis and Immunotherapy: Venom immunotherapy (allergy shots) to prevent severe systemic reactions (anaphylaxis) to future stings.
• Allergen Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots or Sublingual Tablets/Drops): Includes subcutaneous immunotherapy (allergy shots) for environmental allergens and insect stings.
• Management of Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) and Sinusitis: Management of chronic sinusitis related to allergies.

Management of Urticaria (Hives) and Angioedema: Identification of potential triggers (allergic or non-allergic).

Note: This list provides an overview. Specific diagnostic tests and treatment plans are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Chair.

All allergy and immunology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI) and relevant international guidelines. A referral from a physician is generally required for consultation.

Dr. Chair primarily practices at an allergy and immunology clinic located in Vancouver's vibrant Mount Pleasant West neighborhood. The clinic is situated near Riley Park (Nat Bailey Stadium), easily accessible via TransLink's SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines), bus services, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront). The facility is equipped for allergy testing and consultations, providing a professional and supportive environment for patients seeking allergy and immunology care. On-site or nearby public parking is generally available, ensuring convenient access for all patients.

What are some common conditions treated by Dr. Chair?

As an Allergist and Immunologist, Dr. Chair manages numerous conditions related to the immune system. These frequently include environmental allergies, food sensitivities and allergies, medication reactions, chronic sinus problems, skin rashes like eczema, and disorders where the immune system is underactive or overactive. She specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergies, asthma, and disorders of the immune system.

What types of allergy testing does Dr. Chair perform?

To diagnose allergies, Dr. Chair can utilize various testing methods. These often include skin tests for common environmental and food allergens, blood tests to measure allergy antibodies, and sometimes patch tests for skin contact allergies. The specific tests chosen will depend on your medical history and symptoms.

What does an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Chair specialize in?

An Allergist / Immunologist, such as Dr. Chair, is a medical doctor (MD) who has specialized training in diagnosing, treating, and managing allergies, asthma, and immunologic disorders. This includes conditions like hay fever, food allergies, eczema, hives, primary immunodeficiencies, and autoimmune diseases with immunologic components. She is dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergies, asthma, and disorders of the immune system.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Chair?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is generally required to see an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Chair for services covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP)). This ensures that Dr. Chair has relevant medical history and that the consultation is appropriate for your specific health concerns. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (604) 428-0956.

How does Dr. Chair help manage food allergies?

Dr. Chair provides comprehensive management for food allergies. This includes accurate diagnosis through testing (skin tests, blood tests, or oral food challenges), developing strict allergen avoidance strategies, educating on label reading, and creating an emergency action plan, including the prescription and training for epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPen®). She may also discuss emerging therapies like oral immunotherapy if applicable. She is specialized in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergies, asthma, and disorders of the immune system.

Are services from Dr. Chair covered by provincial health insurance?

Medically necessary services provided by an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Chair, such as consultations, diagnostic allergy testing (e.g., skin prick tests for common allergens when indicated), and management of asthma or immunodeficiencies, are generally covered by your provincial health plan, Medical Services Plan (MSP). Consultations with an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Chair, as well as medically necessary diagnostic tests (e.g., skin prick tests for common allergens) and management of conditions like asthma or immunodeficiencies, are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP). However, allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual tablets/drops) and some newer biologic medications may have specific coverage criteria or require special authorization. It is recommended to confirm coverage details with Dr. Chair's office or MSP.

Does Dr. Chair offer allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots/drops)?

Yes, Dr. Chair often prescribes and manages allergen immunotherapy. This treatment, available as allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy or SCIT) or under-the-tongue tablets/drops (sublingual immunotherapy or SLIT for certain allergens), helps your body build tolerance to specific allergens over time, reducing symptoms of hay fever, allergic asthma, or insect sting allergies. She can determine if immunotherapy is a suitable option for you. She is specialized in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergies, asthma, and disorders of the immune system.

401-63 6TH Ave W
Vancouver, BC V5Y 1K2

Office Phone: (604) 428-0958 | Office Fax: (604) 428-0956

Dr. Chair is a licensed Allergist / Immunologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in British Columbia. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Chair, particularly for services covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Verify Dr. Chair's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/339028/Chair%2CIrene