About
Dr. Shamim Husein Wadiwalla 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 Nanaimo in Nanaimo, BC, she is a trusted provider of specialized allergy and immunology care in the community. The clinic adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring quality and safety in all patient interactions. Her focus is on delivering personalized, compassionate care utilizing the latest diagnostic tools and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes.
She earned her medical degree (MB BS) from Mumbai University in India. Following her initial medical qualification, she completed residency training in Internal Medicine, followed by a fellowship in Clinical Immunology and Allergy. Dr. Wadiwalla is a board-certified Allergist / Immunologist with extensive postgraduate training in allergy and immunology. She holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical excellence.
With a professional philosophy centered on accurate diagnosis and tailored management, Dr. Wadiwalla empowers her patients through education and evidence-based approaches. She is dedicated to improving quality of life by minimizing allergy symptoms and preventing severe reactions. Her collaborative approach involves working closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to provide comprehensive, integrated care. Fluent in Gujarati and Hindi, she ensures clear communication with her diverse patient community in Nanaimo, always prioritizing patient health and well-being.
Dr. Shamim Wadiwalla provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of allergic and immunologic conditions, including:
Skin Allergies and Dermatitis
Dr. Wadiwalla manages management focuses on identifying triggers, skincare, topical medications, and systemic treatments for severe cases.
- Contact Dermatitis (Allergic or Irritant): A skin rash caused by direct contact with an allergen (e.g., nickel, poison ivy, fragrances) or an irritant (e.g., harsh soaps, chemicals).
- Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): Treatment involves moisturizers, topical corticosteroids/calcineurin inhibitors, and trigger avoidance.
- Urticaria (Hives) - Acute and Chronic: Treated with antihistamines and other medications for chronic cases.
Immunodeficiency Disorders
Dr. Wadiwalla manages patients who often experience recurrent, severe, or unusual infections, requiring specialized diagnosis and management.
- Recurrent Infections (Evaluation for Underlying Immunodeficiency): May involve detailed immunological testing.
- Humoral (Antibody) Deficiencies: Leads to increased susceptibility to bacterial infections, especially of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.
- Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases (PIDD): Managed with immunoglobulin replacement, prophylactic antibiotics, and sometimes stem cell transplant.
Respiratory Allergies
Dr. Wadiwalla manages includes allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and allergic asthma.
- Allergic Asthma: Requires identification of allergic triggers and a comprehensive asthma management plan.
- Chronic Sinusitis (Allergy-Related): Persistent inflammation of the sinuses often linked to underlying allergies or nasal polyps.
- 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.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. Shamim Wadiwalla is necessary.
- Allergy Skin Testing (Prick/Puncture and Intradermal): Intradermal testing may be used for evaluating certain allergies with higher sensitivity.
- Food Allergy Diagnosis and Management: Development of food allergen avoidance plans and emergency action plans for anaphylaxis (epinephrine auto-injector prescription).
- Recurrent Infection Evaluation: Assessment for underlying immune system abnormalities or other contributing factors.
- Management of Urticaria (Hives) and Angioedema: Identification of potential triggers (allergic or non-allergic).
- Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) for Food Allergies (Specialized Centres): Aims to increase the threshold for reaction and reduce the risk of severe allergic reactions.
- Blood Tests for Allergy (e.g., Specific IgE testing): Helps identify triggers for allergic reactions.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific diagnostic tests and treatment plans are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Wadiwalla.
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. Wadiwalla practices at an allergy and immunology clinic situated in the Central Nanaimo neighborhood of Nanaimo, BC. The clinic is conveniently located near the Country Club Centre shopping area and is easily accessible via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit). Patients will find the clinic equipped for allergy testing and consultations, providing a professional and supportive environment for their allergy and immunology needs. Parking is typically available nearby, with some accessible spots for those with mobility needs, ensuring ease of access for all patients seeking specialized care.
- What does an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Wadiwalla specialize in?
- Dr. Wadiwalla is an Allergist and Immunologist, a physician expert in the body's immune system and its reactions. She manages a wide range of conditions from common allergies and asthma to complex immune deficiency diseases and related systemic disorders. specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergies, asthma, and disorders of the immune system.
- How does Dr. Wadiwalla help manage food allergies?
- For food allergies, Dr. Wadiwalla focuses on precise diagnosis, clear guidance on avoiding the trigger food(s), and ensuring you are prepared for accidental exposures with an emergency plan and epinephrine. Ongoing support and education for patients and families are key components of care.
- Does Dr. Wadiwalla offer allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots/drops)?
- Allergen immunotherapy is a key treatment offered by specialists like Dr. Wadiwalla for certain allergies. Whether through allergy shots or sublingual options, this therapy aims to modify your immune response to allergens, leading to long-term symptom relief. Dr. Wadiwalla would assess your specific allergies and discuss the benefits and process of immunotherapy if it's appropriate.
- What are some common conditions treated by Dr. Wadiwalla?
- Dr. Wadiwalla treats a wide spectrum of allergic and immunologic conditions. Common ones include allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma, food allergies, drug allergies, insect sting allergies, atopic dermatitis (eczema), urticaria (hives), angioedema, and primary immunodeficiency diseases. specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergies, asthma, and disorders of the immune system.
- When should I see an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Wadiwalla?
- You should consider seeing an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Wadiwalla if you experience persistent allergy symptoms (nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes), asthma that is difficult to control, recurrent infections, severe reactions to foods, insect stings, or medications, or have chronic skin conditions like eczema or hives. A referral from your family doctor is typically required.
- Are services from Dr. Wadiwalla covered by provincial health insurance?
- Medically necessary services provided by an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Wadiwalla, 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. Wadiwalla, 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. Wadiwalla's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
201-1515 Dufferin Cres, Nanaimo Allergy Clinic
Nanaimo, BC V9S 5H6
Office Phone: (250) 824-1960 | Office Fax: (250) 591-6905
Dr. Wadiwalla 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. Wadiwalla, particularly for services covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Wadiwalla's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/341134/Wadiwalla%2CShamim