The 5 Best Allergists in Iowa
Board-certified allergy & asthma specialists in Iowa City, West Des Moines.
If over-the-counter antihistamines aren't cutting it anymore, a board-certified allergist-immunologist can pinpoint exactly what you're reacting to and build a treatment plan — including immunotherapy that can reduce your sensitivity for good. Our editors researched allergists across Iowa and curated the five standouts below based on board certification, affiliations, peer recognition, and patient reputation. Before your visit, check today's pollen levels in Iowa so you can tell your doctor what was in the air when your symptoms flared.
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Zuhair K. Ballas, MD
University of Iowa Health Care
Iowa City, IA
Board-certified in Allergy & ImmunologyProfessor of Internal Medicine (Immunology), University of IowaProgram Leader, Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Holden Comprehensive Cancer CenterDirector, Flow Cytometry Facility, University of IowaDr. Ballas is a Professor of Internal Medicine-Immunology at the University of Iowa and has been engaged in immunology research for over four decades, with a focus on the role of natural killer cells in tumor surveillance and inflammatory disorders. He trained at Johns Hopkins University and established the university's Cellular Immunology Diagnostic Lab, which he continues to direct.
Areas of focus: Immune dysfunction · Primary immunodeficiency · NK cell disorders · Cellular immunology
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Benjamin P. Davis, MD, PhD
University of Iowa Health Care
Iowa City, IA
Board-certified in Allergy & ImmunologyClinical Associate Professor, University of Iowa Carver College of MedicineDirector, Division of Immunology, University of IowaDr. Davis serves as Director of the Division of Immunology at the University of Iowa and completed his fellowship at the University of Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children's. He specializes in eosinophilic and mast cell diseases and food allergy, providing clinical care at both the Medical Center University and Stead Family Children's Hospital.
Areas of focus: Eosinophilic esophagitis · Food allergy · Mast cell diseases · Pediatric and adult allergy
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Vuong Nayima, DO
Iowa Allergy Clinic
West Des Moines, IA
Board-certified in Allergy & ImmunologyBoard-certified in Internal MedicineAdjunct Faculty, University of Iowa Hospitals & ClinicsAdjunct Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, Des Moines UniversityDr. Nayima completed his Allergy/Immunology fellowship at the University of Alabama-Birmingham in 2016 and founded Iowa Allergy in 2018, building the practice into a leading multi-location clinic serving West Des Moines and Ankeny. He holds dual academic appointments at the University of Iowa and Des Moines University.
Areas of focus: Pediatric and adult allergy · Asthma · Immunological disorders · Evidence-based immunotherapy
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Jennifer R. Petts, DO, FAAAAI
The Iowa Clinic
West Des Moines, IA
Board-certified in Allergy & ImmunologyFellow of the AAAAIDr. Petts completed both her internal medicine residency (2009–2012) and allergy/immunology fellowship (2012–2014) at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and she is a Fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. She practices across multiple Iowa Clinic locations including West Des Moines, Ankeny, and Iowa City.
Areas of focus: Food allergy · Anaphylaxis · Drug allergy · Urticaria · Asthma · Immunodeficiency
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Fadi Alkhatib, DO
Allergy Institute P.C.
West Des Moines, IA
Board-certified in Allergy & Immunology (American Osteopathic Association)Board-certified in Internal Medicine (American Board of Internal Medicine and American Osteopathic Association)Dr. Alkhatib attended Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine with honors in immunology and completed his allergy/immunology fellowship at Larkin Community Hospital in South Miami, where he served as chief fellow. He practices at Allergy Institute P.C. with offices in West Des Moines and Ankeny, focusing on patients of all ages.
Areas of focus: Difficult-to-treat asthma · Food allergy · Allergic rhinitis · Pediatric and adult allergy
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How we chose the best allergists in Iowa
Our editorial team researched allergy and immunology specialists practicing across Iowa and selected these five based on:
- Board certification in Allergy & Immunology (ABAI)
- Hospital and academic affiliations with respected medical centers
- Peer recognition, including Top Doctor awards and professional society roles
- Practice reputation and years of experience treating allergy and asthma patients
- Geographic spread across Iowa's major metro areas
These listings are editorial picks, not paid placements or medical endorsements, and we have no financial relationship with any provider listed. Physician availability, insurance participation, and credentials change — always verify directly with the practice before booking. This page is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find a good allergist in Iowa?
Look for board certification in Allergy & Immunology, hospital or academic affiliations, and an established practice. Every allergist on this list was vetted against those criteria.
Do I need a referral?
It depends on your insurance plan, not the state. Most PPO plans let you book directly; HMO plans usually require a referral from your primary care physician.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
A list of your symptoms and when they occur, your current medications, your insurance card, and any relevant medical records. A symptom diary matched against local pollen counts is especially useful for diagnosing seasonal allergies.
Track Iowa pollen before your visit
Allergists can diagnose you faster when you know which days your symptoms flared and what was in the air. MyPollenPal tracks daily tree, grass, and weed pollen levels for cities across Iowa.