How Is A Physical Exam Used In The Diagnosis Of Asthma
The doctor will watch the way your chest and stomach muscles move when you breathe and use a stethoscope to listen to air flowing in and out of your lungs.
The doctor will look inside your nose, searching for signs of conditions that often go along with asthma, such as rhinitis , sinusitis and nasal polyps , and examine skin for signs of eczema .
What Is The Difference Between An Allergist And A Pulmonologist
An allergist treats asthma patients whose primary triggers are environmental, suffering from what is known as allergic asthma. On the other hand, a pulmonologist specializes in lung disease and often treats more severe asthma cases triggered by stress, exercise, etc.
Typically, you will see a pulmonologist if you are involved in an emergency asthma situation and go to the hospital. Oftentimes, after a pulmonologist treats you, they will refer you to an allergist and work collaboratively to identify asthma triggers.
When Should I Take My Child To An Allergist Vs A Pulmonologist
Both allergists/immunologists and pulmonologists treat asthma. A pulmonologist treats all lung disorders. An allergist treats allergic conditions. Allergic conditions include food, drug, and environmental allergies. Hives, swelling, and immunodeficiency may occur. A large number of children with asthma have allergic triggers. They may benefit from seeing an allergist.
Douglas T. Johnston, DO, FAAAAI, FACAAI, is an allergist/clinical immunologist at Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Assistant Professor at Edward Via School of Osteopathic Medicine in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He is a fellow of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology . He has lectured at national and international medical conferences and has publications in several medical journals, including Clinical Immunology, World Allergy Organization Journal, Journal of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, The Journal of the American Medical Association, and the New England Journal of Medicine.
Don’t Miss: Is Asthma A Chronic Condition
How Do You Know You Should Visit An Asthma Doctor
If you have mild or well-controlled asthma, you dont have to see an asthma specialist but if you are experiencing persistent asthma attacks or your symptoms are recurring frequently, you may have to see a specialist.
You should see an allergist-immunologist if any of these scenarios apply to you:
- Your condition isnt well controlled, you arent getting better with the treatment, or the treatment negatively affects your quality of life.
- You have been hospitalized or taken to the emergency room for asthma at least three times a year.
- You are experiencing the side effects of asthma medications. The most common side effects include: growth suppression, oral thrush, weight gain, osteoporosis, and emotional changes.
Johns Hopkins Asthma & Allergy Center
This spacious, state-of-the-art facility at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Campus, combines clinics and research laboratories in a single building occupying 130,000 square feet. The modern, well-equipped laboratories and out-patient clinics provide an excellent milieu for conducting clinical and basic research in human immunology.
The Division’s of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine are the main occupants. Other research and clinical groups located at the Asthma Center include faculty and staff of the Gerontology, Rheumatology and Cardiology Divisions. In-patient hospital services are provided in the nearby Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, an integral part of the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, and located on the same campus. The Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Campus also houses the National Institutes of Health Institutes of Aging and of Drug Abuse, as well as the clinical and research groups located within the Medical Center.
Johns Hopkins Allergy & Asthma Center 5501 Hopkins Bayview Circle Baltimore, MD 21224
Get maps and driving directions to the Asthma & Allergy Center (located on the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center campus. The Center is also served by the #22 and #23 bus lines.
Request an Appointment
Read Also: Can High Humidity Cause Asthma
Differences Between A Pulmonologist And An Allergist
Should I see an allergist or a pulmonologist for my asthma? Asking this question about what causes asthma can help determine which specialist might have expertise that would help you. A doctor specializing in allergies is called an allergist, while one who focuses specifically on lung problems and other conditions related to respiratory is known as a pulmonologist. Its essential that you find out their specialty to determine best which type of specialist would be most appropriate for your needs.
Is A Pulmonologist Or Asthma Specialist Right For Me
If you are finding that your asthma isn’t being adequately controlled with the help of your primary care doctor, you should consider being referred to an asthma specialist or pulmonologist. If you are needing to use your rescue inhaler more than twice a week, or are needing more than one or two courses of oral steroids in a year, a Pulmonologist or asthma specialist may be beneficial for you. For people with allergy-driven asthma, an allergist is the way to go. They’re the experts on how to help you gain control over your allergies that set off your asthma.
If the asthma diagnosis is in question or not determined completely yet, a Pulmonologist has the tools and capabilities for complete lung function testing and other tests that can better confirm or rule out asthma.
I am a firm believer that most asthmatics should be followed by a specialist. There are many amazing primary/general practitioner doctors out there that are equipped to handle mild intermittent asthma however, in my opinion, an asthma specialist or Pulmonologist is a better choice. I was followed by my primary care doctor for many years until my asthma started being more bothersome and my doctor referred me to a Pulmonologist.
Both specialists are highly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma. If your asthma is classified as more than mild intermittent, I would highly recommend being referred to a specialist.
Also Check: Does Singulair Help With Asthma
How They Treat Their Patients
Pulmonary doctors treat their patients using diagnostic tests like CT scans or X-rays to learn about any underlying conditions affecting themfor example, pulmonary disease due to asthmawhile allergists are usually diagnosed based on symptoms alone . Pulmonologists may also prescribe medications that target drugs given by allergy specialists.
If you have a chronic condition like asthma that doesnt respond to any treatments, and your doctor suspects allergies may be the culprit, then an allergist will probably be able to help more than a pulmonologist would. On the other hand, if youre experiencing symptoms like frequent coughing or wheezing and excess phlegm or sputum, theres typically the little point in seeing an allergist for treatment because their methods are less effective when relieving these types of problems quickly. In this case, see a pulmonologist.
Pulmonologists are the experts of emergency asthma situations, so if you find yourself in one and go to a hospital, they will be more than happy to help. After your treatment is complete, both allergists and pulmonologists will likely work together collaboratively with an individualized approach for identifying possible triggers!
Whats The Difference Between A Pulmonologist And An Allergist
While seeing an allergist is usually a good idea, your allergist should not take the place of a pulmonologist if you or a loved one is living with asthma. Allergists, also called immunologists, are important because most of the asthma patients they treat are triggered primarily by allergies. Allergists have the therapies to treat your allergy-triggered asthma, too.
Pulmonologists are essential to proper lung care for people living with asthma because this type of provider specializes in every condition that affects your lungs, your upper respiratory system, your chest, or thoracic cavity, and your chest wall. Like allergists, pulmonologists can help you pin the cause of your asthma symptom triggers, and provide a comprehensive treatment plan to keep you healthy.
Choosing a pulmonologist from our team of providers means that we will give you an accurate and thorough diagnosis, and make sure that you deeply understand how your body is reacting, and how to treat your symptoms. There is no cure for asthma, but careful management and consistent therapy is the key to living a fun and active life.
Recommended Reading: Why Is My Asthma Worse At Night
Duke Asthma Allergy And Airway Center
Type
The specialists at the Duke Asthma, Allergy, and Airway Center in Durham diagnose and treat adults for a broad range of lung diseases, allergic diseases, and immunodeficiency diseases. We offer a comprehensive lab for testing and opportunities to participate in clinical trials of new therapies.
Data Collection In Tenor
Demographic information, medical history, and healthcare utilization were collected directly from patients at baseline via structured study coordinator-administered interviews. Information on individual income was not collected in TENOR. To estimate median household income for subjects and site regions, we used 2000 U.S. Census data linked at the ZIP Code Tabulation Area level. Co-morbid conditions were assessed using a standardized list of common disorders. In certain circumstances, multiple items were used to assess a single heath condition. For example, patients were categorized as having allergic rhinitis if they responded positively to both of the following two items: Have you ever had a problem with sneezing or a runny or blocked nose when you did not have a cold or flu? AND Has a doctor ever told you that you have allergic rhinitis ?.
Lung function was evaluated annually by each site. All spirometry was performed in accordance with the American Thoracic Society guidelines.18 Results of skin test and immunotherapy were self-reported and not added to the study until 2002 thus, these data were obtained from subsequent visits in a subset of patients.19 Total serum IgE levels at baseline were measured using commercially available assays. All assays used were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for accuracy and precision, and calibrated to the World Health Organization’s 2nd International Reference.20
Recommended Reading: How To Know If You Have Copd Or Asthma
When To See A Pulmonologist For Asthma
It is normally time for a patient who is living with asthma to make an appointment with a pulmonologist when they are not getting the relief they need under the instructions of their primary care doctor. The fact that pulmonologists focus specifically on the respiratory system means that they have more of an in-depth understanding of the diseases and disorders that affect the lungs and the airways.
The following is a list of the reasons why someone should make an appointment with a pulmonologist when they have asthma.
How Do Pulmonologists Diagnose Lung Diseases
Pulmonologists use tests to figure out what kind of lung problem you have. They might ask you to get:
- Blood tests. They check levels of oxygen and other things in your blood.
- Bronchoscopy. It uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end to see inside your lungs and airways.
- X-rays. They use low doses of radiation to make images of your lungs and other things in your chest.
- CT scan. It’s a powerful X-ray that makes detailed pictures of the inside of your chest.
- Spirometry. This tests how well your lungs work by measuring how hard you can breathe air in and out.
Recommended Reading: Can You Get Asthma From Vaping
Reasons To See A Pulmonologist For Asthma
A pulmonologist is able to provide asthma treatment for those who have been diagnosed with chronic lung disease. If you have been diagnosed with asthma, then you know how difficult it can be to function every day with a disease that makes it difficult for you to breathe. Also called an internal doctor or a lung doctor, a pulmonologist is considered to be an asthma specialist, and for that reason, it is highly recommended for those who are struggling or finding it difficult to control their asthmatic symptoms.
What Kinds Of Procedures Do Pulmonologists Do
Pulmonologists can do special procedures such as:
- Pulmonary hygiene. This clears fluid and mucus from your lungs.
- Airway ablation. This opens blocked air passages or eases difficult breathing.
- Biopsy. This takes tissue samples to diagnose disease.
- Bronchoscopy. This looks inside your lungs and airways to diagnose disease.
You might see a pulmonologist if you have symptoms such as:
- A cough that is severe or that lasts more than 3 weeks
Also Check: Can Essential Oils Help Asthma
Healthcare Utilization And Productivity Loss
Patients treated by pulmonologists reported greater healthcare utilization in the past 3 months than those treated by allergists . Pulmonary patients were also more likely to report missed work or school in the past 2 weeks, as well as history of intubation. Unscheduled office visits, however, were not significantly different between the two groups. All results remained significant despite multivariate adjustment for demographic differences between the groups.
Allergy And Pulmonology Treatment In Weatherford Tx
At Lung & Sleep Specialists of North Texas, our lung specialists can treat patients with both allergy-induced or non-allergic asthma. We will find out what type of asthma you have through comprehensive diagnostic testing and design a treatment plan that addresses it perfectly. Whether you have allergy-induced asthma or non-allergic asthma thats due to stress, exercise, and other factors, our specialists can help you breathe better.
We are committed to helping you effectively manage your asthma symptoms. To schedule a consultation with one of our doctors, call our clinic at 594-9993 or use our appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
You May Like: How To Prevent Asthma From Developing
How You And Your Asthma Doctor May Work Together To Treat Your Asthma
After receiving a diagnosis of asthma, youll probably see your asthma specialist as often as once every two to six weeks. When your asthma is under control, you may be able to drop your appointments down from once a month to a couple of times a year. Some things you can expect from your asthma management:
When You Need An Asthma Specialist
Asthma is a complex condition that comes in numerous forms. A mild case with obvious triggers that responds well to medication may not warrant a visit with a specialist. However, it’s rarely that simpleespecially in the long term.
You should consider an asthma specialist for you or your child if you or they:
- Have a life-threatening asthma attack, intubation, or admission to a hospital or intensive care unit for asthma
- Have poorly controlled despite three to six months of consistent treatment
- Are interested in allergy shots to help control asthma triggered by allergens
- Have worsening asthma despite using oral steroids
- Have moderate persistent or more severe asthma
- Need asthma education
Your primary care physician or other healthcare provider may refer you or your child to an asthma specialist if you/your child:
Don’t Miss: Is Asthma A Disability In Ireland
Asthma Specialist Indianapolis In
Our board certified asthma specialist in Indianapolis IN can help you with all of your asthma-related needs. Our specialists can also help patients with an immune deficiency, sinusitis, or vasomotor rhinitis.
Two types of asthma specialist in Indianapolis IN:
- Allergist/Immunologist specially trained in treating allergic diseases including asthma.
- Pulmonologist specializes in diseases affecting the lungs and breathing including asthma.
While anyone with asthma may benefit from seeing an asthma specialist in Indianapolis IN, it may only be really necessary for someone with severe, difficult-to-control asthma. An asthma specialist may be a good idea for someone who:
- Is unable to control their asthma after a few months of treatment and has been hospitalized for asthma
- Has other health conditions in addition to asthma
- Has life-threatening asthma attacks
- Is experiencing unusual asthma symptoms
- Might be a good candidate for immunotherapy
If youve been trying to manage asthma for months without relief of symptoms, an asthma specialist in Indianapolis IN may offer more insight and better management options to keep your asthma under control.
Complete Pulmonary Function Tests
A complete pulmonary function test assesses various lung disorders and evaluates the effectiveness of medications in patients with lung problems. This breathing test is a non-invasive procedure that does not require use of needles, nor is any blood drawn.
In The Asthma Center pulmonary function laboratory, our pulmonary function technician will instruct you on the performance of various breathing maneuvers designed to measure a variety of lung functions. Our laboratory staff will encourage you to do your best, as the results depend on you or your childs full cooperation. The test may take up to an hour, and your doctor will review the results with you.
IMPORTANT
Please follow the below guidelines as the pertain to you:
- Withhold any of the following for 8 hours:
Inhalers:
Accolate, Advair, Advair Diskus, Advair HFA, Anoro Ellipta, Arcapta Neohaler, Alupent, Atrovent, Breo Ellipta, Brethaire, Brethine, Combivent, Combivent Respimat, Dulera, DuoNeb, Foradil Aerolizer, formoterol, Incruse Ellipta, ipratropium, Maxair, metaproterenol, ProAir HFA, ProAir Respiclick, Proventil, Proventil HFA, salmeterol, Serevent Diskus, Singular, Spiriva HandiHaler, Spiriva Respimat, Stiolto Respimat, Striverdi Respimat, Symbicort
Tiotropium, Tudorza Pressair, Ventolin HFA, Volmax, Xopenex
Nebulizer Medications:
Accuneb, Albuterol, Albuterol Multidose, Brovana, Cromolyn sodium, Duoneb, Hypertonic saline 3%, Mucomyst, Performist, Pulmicort respules, and Xopenex
Also Check: Why Do You Have Asthma
Allergy And Asthma Specialist
An allergy and asthma specialist is a doctor that specializes in just that: allergies and asthma. Generally if you have allergic asthma, this is the ideal doctor for you. They are board-certified in allergy and asthma and have had years of extra training to treat both issues. If you need to have environmental or food allergy testing it will mostly likely take place in an allergists office.
Lung function testing can also be done in most allergists’ offices. An allergy/asthma specialist can help come up with a treatment plan for your allergies and asthma, such as mediations and ways to avoid and treat allergy symptoms, especially those that set off your asthma.
Benefits Of Seeing An Asthma Specialist
Asthma actually doesn’t fall under just one area of medicine, so it’s treated by several types of specialists, including:
- Pulmonologists
- Allergist/Immunologists
- Respiratory therapists and pulmonary rehabilitation specialists
Among the key benefits of seeing an asthma specialist is that they are typically among the most up-to-date when it comes to:
- The latest asthma research
- Asthma medications and their use
- Standards and advances in asthma care
They also may be better able to educate you about your condition and teach you how to properly use your inhaler.
Asthma Doctor Discussion Guide
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
You May Like: What Type Of Specialist Treats Asthma