What Kind Of Doctor Do You See For Asthma

The Severity Of Your Asthma

If you have a lower level of severity in your asthma, you may not need to look for a specialized asthma doctor, but simply someone who will be able to prescribe medication and help you learn how to manage your symptoms. However, if your asthma is more severe and interferes with your ability to live your daily life, you may want to turn to a specialist that will be able to help with particularly severe forms of asthma.

Questions Your Doctor Will Ask

In addition to the above information, you can expect your doctor to ask a number of questions, such as:

• Do you smoke?
• Are you regularly exposed to secondhand smoke?
• Do you work around dust or other pollutants?
• Do you cough up mucus? If so, what color is it?
• Do you get short of breath easily?
• How long has this been going on?

What Can An Ent Do For Chronic Sinusitis

When symptoms of sinusitis prolong past the 12-week mark despite receiving treatment, the condition moves from acute to chronic. Chronic sinusitis is best treated utilizing a holistic approach targeting both the trigger of the condition as well as effectively treating any ensuing infection. ENTs can correct anatomical or structural problems that are contributory to chronic sinus infections. When the symptoms are tied to an allergy, a Board-certified Allergist can help guide treatment options and lessen the long term need for medications through allergen immunotherapy.

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The Role Of The Primary Care Provider In Copd

Although there are many different specialists that can make up a COPD treatment team, as long as your COPD is uncomplicated, most of your treatment can come from your primary care provider. Primary care providers play a critical role in the screening, diagnosis and treatment of COPD. They are usually the ones who end up catching COPD early, even before symptoms begin, by screening smokers using a simple breathing test known as spirometry.

Your primary care provider can also prescribe all of your COPD medications for you, including inhalers, steroids, oxygen and antibiotics. So if your primary care provider can treat your COPD effectively, when should you see a pulmonary specialist?

What Can I Do If I Am Prone To Sinus Infections

Ways to help mitigate the symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:

• Consult with a Board-certified allergist to help determine if allergies are a cause for your symptoms.
• Application of a warm towel to the head, neck, and face to ease pain and pressure.
• Use of saline spray to keep nasal passages clean and decongested.
• Use of OTC decongestants, although these are not recommended as part of a long-term treatment plan.
• Use of a vaporizer or humidifier, especially during the dry winter months. Just be sure to clean the unit routinely, as unclean it poses more risks than benefits.
• Get a better understanding and management plan for allergies, which can be a trigger.
• Try to avoid smoke like cigarettes or even cars, which can inflame the nasal passages.

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The Role Of The Pulmonologist In Copd

Seeing a pulmonologist may be necessary if you have a more complicated case of COPD. For example, your primary care provider may refer you to a pulmonologist if youre not responding well to COPD treatment, youre hospitalized for COPD exacerbation or your disease has reached a more advanced stage of COPD.

A pulmonologist may order a different combination of medications or special treatments for you. To better-assess your condition or implement diagnostic studies, they can also perform a bronchoscopy using a flexible scope to look down your airway and inside your lungs. A pulmonologist may also have a staff that is very much geared for the lung patient that a primary care provider may not have or be able to afford in their office. A pulmonologist may also be used to reinforce what the primary care provider has already initiated, especially the importance of smoking cessation in a patient who continues to smoke.

Allergic Asthma And Xolair Discussion Guides

Allergic Asthma Discussion Guide

If you have not yet been diagnosed with allergic asthma, then the Allergic Asthma Discussion Guide may be helpful when talking to your asthma specialist.

XOLAIR Discussion Guide

If you have allergic asthma and want to discuss treatment options with your asthma specialist, then the XOLAIR Discussion Guide may be helpful to you.

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Respiratory Therapist/pulmonary Rehab Specialist

Respiratory therapists are not doctors, but healthcare providers who have special training in the lungs and respiratory system and primarily treat asthma through lung exercises. Most of them work in hospitals.

A respiratory therapist, physical therapist, registered nurse, or exercise physiologist can get further training to become a pulmonary rehabilitation specialist.

Your doctor may refer you to this type of therapist after a severe asthma attack.

Respiratory Therapist/Pulmonary Rehab Specialist Training

Respiratory therapists must:

• Get either an associates degree or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy or pulmonary science
• Pass a certification exam from the National Board for Respiratory Care
• Earn a state license, which requires on-going education to maintain

To become a PR specialist, they can take a short course to earn a specialized certificate or receive on-the-job training at a facility with a program certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

What They Can Do For You

If you need better asthma control, frequently find yourself short of breath, or want to be able to exercise more, you may benefit from seeing a respiratory therapist, especially one who specializes in pulmonary rehabilitation.

Respiratory therapists’ and pulmonary rehabilitation specialists’ care isn’t intended to replace that of your physicians, but it can be a very helpful addition to it.

A respiratory therapist can:

PR specialists:

What Kind Of Specialist Do You Need To See

Sometimes its necessary to see a specialized doctor in addition to your primary care doctor to get a more specific diagnosis of your condition. This is where an asthma specialist comes in handy.

Asthma specialists can diagnose and treat allergic asthma. And that may be helpful in getting more control of your condition. These specialists include both allergists and pulmonologists.

Allergist

A doctor who specializes in diseases of the immune system, including allergic diseases such as allergic asthma.

Pulmonologist

A doctor who specializes in disease of the lungs and breathing, including asthma.

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Questions The Doctor May Have

Be prepared to tell the allergist about your symptoms and your lifestyle. They may want to know:

• What kinds of symptoms do you have?
• How long have you had them?
• When your symptoms happen, how long do they last?
• Do your symptoms come and go throughout the year, or do they last year-round?
• Do your symptoms hit when youâre outdoors, or indoors like when you clean your home?
• Do they get worse when youâre around pets? Do you have any pets?
• Do you smoke? Does anyone in your family smoke?
• Do your symptoms keep you from doing things or from sleeping at night?
• What makes your symptoms better? What types of treatments have you tried?
• What allergy drugs are you taking now? Do they help?
• What other medications are you taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements?
• What kind of heating system do you have? Do you have central air conditioning?
• Do you have any other health conditions, like asthma or high blood pressure?
• Do you have problems with your sense of smell or taste?
• Do you get better on the weekend and worse when you go back to work?

Schedule An Allergist Consultation In Princeton Or Robbinsville Nj

Prior to joining the Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy family, Dr. Kathryn Edwards completed a 16-year career with the United States Army, serving military families as an Allergist specialist. Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of seasonal and environmental allergies, skin conditions, asthma, and food allergies Dr. Edwards brings her extensive Allergist knowledge to our Princeton and Robbinsville offices.

Dr. Edwards performed her undergraduate studies at the University of Delaware and then proceeded onto these next accomplishments:

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Differences Between A Dermatologist And An Allergist

Even if something gives us an allergic reaction, most of us cant help ourselves from enjoying the allergen such as eating certain foods, petting furry animals, or hanging out with friends in the pollution-filled city.

Once you have an allergic reaction, your skin may start to get reddish and patchy. Perhaps youre suddenly getting this reaction, and youve never been allergic before.

But who should you visit to have this treated, a dermatologist or an allergist? Lets take a look at these two different types of medical specializations and who would be best to diagnose and treat your sudden skin reaction.

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Do I Really Need Another Doctor

Even if you are fortunate enough to have your asthma well-controlled, seeking the care of a pulmonologist is always the best chance for you to be as healthy as possible. Visiting an allergist is helpful in many ways, including having a full understanding of your asthma triggers, but choosing the right pulmonologist means choosing a specialist in lung health and function.

If youre living with any type of asthma, call us today at 213-441-0156, or book an appointment with us online.

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What Kind Of Asthma You Have

Depending on if you have allergic or nonallergic asthma, you will have to make a choice between the different doctors you are looking at. For example, an allergist may be the best choice for treating allergic asthma however, nonallergic asthma patients can also look to primary care physicians who work with the respiratory system in general or specialists that treat only respiratory diseases.

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
• Need asthma education

Your primary care physician may refer you or your child to an asthma specialist if you/your child:

• Obstructive sleep apnea

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How Do I Get A Referral To A Pulmonologist

You dont have to wait for your primary care provider to refer you to a pulmonary specialist. If you feel you need one, you can self-refer, if you have PPO insurance, or you can request a referral from your primary care provider. If your primary care provider doesnt want to give you a referral, speak to your health insurance company as it is within your rights to see a specialist if you have reason to believe you need one.

Why Haven’t I Been Referred

If you meet the criteria for a referral to a specialist yet your PCP hasn’t referred you, it could be due to many reasons.

• Your PCP doesn’t think they need help managing your/your child’s asthma. Sometimes doctors don’t know when to ask for help and may need a nudge from you. If you want a referral to an asthma specialist, ask for it.
• The healthcare system may be getting in the way. Your area may not have the appropriate asthma specialists available, or you or your doctor may be trying to keep your healthcare costs low.

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When Should I See A Pulmonologist For Bronchitis

While a pulmonologist may not typically treat a standard case of acute bronchitis without recurrences, it is highly likely that you would see a lung doctor for repeated cases of acute bronchitis or chronic bronchitis. Your primary care physician should be able to diagnose and treat a single case of bronchitis, but if it becomes severe, or you have repeated cases of bronchitis, you may be referred to a lung specialist for further testing of your respiratory health and function. If you have had severe bronchitis, talk to your primary care doctor about when you should be concerned about other associated health conditions, and when you should see a lung specialist for more information about your lung function.

What Are The Signs Of Asthma

Many people first receive an asthma diagnosis after an asthma attack. In a severe asthma attack, you feel like you cant breathe or cant get enough air. Sudden asthma attacks, or exacerbations, can last from a few minutes to days. If left untreated, asthma attacks can be dangerous.

While asthma is a lifelong disease, most people have periodic attacks separated by symptom-free periods. People with asthma may experience:

• Coughing, especially at night or in the early morning
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness

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What Is An Allergist

An specializes in caring for people with allergies, asthma, and other diseases of the immune system. Allergists-immunologists with a background in internal medicine take care of adults and those with a background in pediatrics take care of children. Known commonly as allergists, these specialists are highly skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of immune system disorders and in helping people take an active role in preventing and treating allergy symptoms.

An typically:

• Evaluates a patients medical history and educates patients about allergies and other immune system diseases and symptom prevention

• Performs a physical exam including evaluation of allergy symptoms, breathing, blood pressure, and other vital signs

• Orders and interprets laboratory and imaging tests and prescribes medications

• Diagnoses and treats , asthma, and other diseases of the immune system

• Provides primary care in some cases, such as routine physicals and screening tests

• Works closely with other medical specialists and healthcare providers to provide optimal care

An allergist-immunologist may also be known by the following names: allergist, allergist and clinical immunologist, doctor, immunologist, asthma specialist, and allergy specialist.

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Not A Substitute For Meds

The benefits respiratory therapists and PR specialists provide may help some people rely less on asthma medications, but their care isn’t intended to replace your inhaler or oral asthma drugs. Don’t adjust your medication without talking to the doctor who treats your asthma.

When You May Not Need a Respiratory Therapist/PR Specialist

Respiratory therapists and PR specialists can’t prescribe you asthma medications, so they’re not a replacement for any of your doctors. However, if your PCP is currently overseeing your asthma treatment, one of these therapists may be able to provide valuable insight and information.

If you’re physically fit, don’t have severe asthma attacks, and are managing your condition well , you probably don’t need these specialists.

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What Does An Asthma Clinic Do

An asthma specialists main focus is on the diagnosis and treatment of asthma. These physicians have a total of at least nine years of training which includes a two-year fellowship program with a focus on lung disease and allergic diseases. An asthma specialist works with patients to help diagnose, prevent, and treat allergies, asthma, and related diseases.

The choice of which type of doctor you see should always be up to you, but its important to understand the differences between a primary care physician and an asthma specialist, and the benefits and limitations of each.

If you or someone you know is living with asthma, or believe they might have asthma, come to AFC Urgent Care today! We have trained specialists who can help you treat your asthma and start breathing easy again. Contact our office today to get in touch with a specialist. To book an appointment, or visit us online!

Chronic Sinusitis And Allergies What Kind Of Doctor Do You See For Allergy Testing

Board-certified Allergists are highly trained physicians who specialize in the diagnoses and nonsurgical treatment of chronic sinus issues and allergies. They also specialize in the management of asthma since most asthmatics have allergic triggers that affect their breathing. Allergists focus on the underlying cause of the symptoms to lessen the need for medications and surgery. In doing so, Allergists are like medical detectives who take a comprehensive and integrated approach to treatment. Through the appropriate use of allergy testing, Allergists can help patients to understand their triggers and teach patients the environmental strategies needed to avoid their triggers. Allergists use allergy test results to decide which medications would be the most effective. Allergists can also guide patients through allergen immunotherapy to help relieve persistent nasal and sinus symptoms when medications are not helpful or when patients wish to minimize the need for medications.

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When To See An Allergist For Hayfever Symptoms

Your allergies are causing symptoms such as chronic sinus infections, nasal congestion or difficulty breathing. You experience hay fever or other allergy symptoms several months out of the year. Antihistamines and over-the-counter medications do not control your allergy symptoms or create unacceptable side effects, such as drowsiness.

The allergist treats asthma and allergies. An allergist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma and other allergic diseases. The allergist is specially trained to identify allergy and asthma triggers.

An allergist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma and other allergic diseases. The allergist is specially trained to identify allergy and asthma triggers. Allergists help people treat or prevent their allergy problems.