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.
How To Choose An Asthma Specialist
If you have asthma, youll want to find an asthma specialist who has the skills and experience to help prevent and treat your asthma symptoms. There are many types of doctors who care for people with asthma. You may not have to look any further than your own primary care doctor or your childs . Read on for some simple tips to help you choose the right asthma specialist for you.
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. Allergists help people treat or prevent their allergy problems. After earning a medical degree, the allergist completes a three-year residency-training program in either internal medicine or pediatrics. Next the allergist completes two or three more years of study in the field of allergy and immunology. You can be certain that your doctor has met these requirements if he or she is certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.
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Do Asthma Medicines Have Side Effects
Yes. All medicines have side effects. Tell your doctor how you are responding to the treatment and if you have any side effects. Follow up often with your doctor so you can control your asthma with the least amount of medicines and with the fewest side effects.
Medical Review: June 2021 by S. Allan Bock, MD Maureen George, PhD, RN, AEC, FAAN and Sumita Khatri, MD, MS
References1. Bonds, R., Asawa, A. and Ghazi, A. . Misuse of medical devices: a persistent problem in self-management of asthma and allergic disease. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 114, pp.74-76.e2.
Asthma Action Plan
Are There Any Special Considerations For Adults Who Develop Asthma
People with multiple medical conditions need to be aware of how their illnesses and the medications they use may affect one another.
If you take more than one medication, talk with your physician about ways to simplify your medication program. Explore the possibility of combining medications or using alternate ones that will have the same desired effect. Be sure to discuss potential drug interactions with anything you take including vitamins or herbal supplements.
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What Triggers An Asthma Attack
A variety of factors may provoke an attack. Common triggers include
- Allergens: Animal dander, mold, dust mites, pollen and certain food allergies
- Environmental factors: Changes in weather, air pollutants and irritants such as tobacco smoke
- Lifestyle traits: Exercise, stress and strong emotions
- Medications: Some pain medications and beta blockers
- Other medical conditions: Respiratory infections and gastroesophageal reflux disease
Will I Have To Take Medicine All The Time
Maybe not. Asthma is a chronic condition that is controllable. Unfortunately, there is no cure for asthma. For that reason, you may have asthma symptoms when exposed to triggers. This is the case even if you dont have symptoms very often. Your triggers can change over time, and your treatment will depend on two things: how severe your asthma is, and how often you have symptoms. If your asthma is controlled, your treatment will focus on managing symptoms and treatment of episodes when they happen.
If your symptoms happen at certain times and you know what caused them, you and your doctor can use this information to determine the best treatment. If, for example, you have seasonal asthma because of a specific pollen allergy, you may take medicines only when that pollen is in the air. But asthma that specific is not common. Many people with asthma take some form of medicine most or all of the time.
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What Is Chronic Cough
A persistent cough is a major quality-of-life issue. Coughing is a physiologic response meant to clear the airway of mucus, infections, foreign bodies, or irritants. However, when a cough persists for many weeks or months, it becomes a disabling medical problem that can lead to loss of sleep, muscle pain, fractured ribs, syncope, stress incontinence, and vomiting.
Not only do chronic cough sufferers lose sleep and miss work, but they endure exhaustion, frustration, embarrassment and frequent doctors visits. Therefore, chronic cough requires a closer look.
A persistent cough may signal an underlying disease. The correct diagnosis requires a comprehensive investigationincluding an in-depth history and physical examination, pulmonary function studies, x-rays, laboratory studies, endoscopy, and specialized studies .
The presence of multiple pathological processes can cause interactions that resist treatment until all are successfully managed.
Identifying the precise cause of a chronic cough can save a patient years of unnecessary discomfort.
How Do You Treat Asthma
Our asthma doctors, Dr Habib-Khazen or Dr Alasaly, will prescribe treatments with a multi-tiered approach, including:
- Quick-relief medicationsSuch as Albuterol and Levoalbuterol to quickly open airways and reduce wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath following triggers. Important: Quick relief medications do not build immunity against allergies or asthma. -that is accomplished through: allergy injections, Anti-Ige treatments and vaccines
- Asthma control medicationsIncluding inhaled and oral corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and leukotriene modifiers which treat inflammation.
- Allergy injections To build immunity against allergen triggers.
- Anti-IgE treatmentIncluding Xolair for those 12 and over with severe asthma, to block antibodies that cause allergic reactions and stop allergy-induced asthma attacks before they begin.
- VaccinesSuch as the flu and pneumococcal vaccines, to protect against respiratory disease and infections that can induce or worsen asthma symptoms.
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Preparing For A Doctors Appointment
Patients with asthma or suspected asthma will likely be referred to an allergist or a pulmonologist. These tips may help you be more prepared for your appointment:
- Keep a log of symptoms you are having, even if they are seemingly unrelated.
- Bring a list of any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking. Dont forget to list vitamins and supplements, too.
- Jot down a list of questions, such as:
- What tests or procedures will be performed?
- How will my asthma be monitored?
- How should I use my medications? How should they be stored?
- What triggers might cause my asthma to flare? Is there anything I can/should do to reduce my risk of having an asthma attack?
- Will I have an asthma action plan?
- How often do I need follow-up care?
Who Develops Asthma Or Allergies
Asthma and allergies can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race or socioeconomic factors. While its true that asthma and allergies are more common in children, they can occur for the first time at any age. Sometimes allergy symptoms start in childhood, disappear for many years and then start up again during adult life.
Although the exact genetic factors are not yet understood, there is a hereditary tendency to asthma and allergies. In susceptible people, factors such as hormones, stress, smoke, perfume or other environmental irritants also may play a role.
I wonder how many other people out there are going about their lives, maybe even pushing themselves like I was, unaware that they have asthma or another respiratory condition.
Brooke C.
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What Can You Expect When You See An Allergist
An allergist or immunologist will often interview their patient, perform a physical examination, and then run a series of sensitivity/allergy tests. They can help you create an asthma action plan and identify necessary medications, including emergency rescue medications.
An asthma action plan contains basic information like your name and any medications you take. The plan should also include what to do when an asthma attack occurs and when to seek medical attention. Writing this plan out provides peace of mind knowing that you have an emergency course of action.
An allergist may also conduct lung function tests known as spirometry. If the spirometry data indicates poor lung function, your allergist may refer you to a pulmonologist for further evaluation. For some asthma cases, either type of doctor may recommend daily at-home spirometry so that they can monitor your spirometry data over time.
What Kind Of Doctor Treats Asthma Chf And Pneumonia
Asthma, CHF, and pneumonia are respiratory diseases. They affect your breathing and might also lead to problems with your heart. You must see a respiratory specialist because they will monitor your breathing and take tests to start managing any symptoms early.
You will also get medication if you find out that you have any of the conditions making it easy for you to live a long full life. Your family doctor can take care of you when you have the symptoms, and if it is a child, you should take them to a pediatrician.
Asthma
When you are diagnosed with asthma, you should know that there are several ways of managing the disease to live with it longer. It is a condition that affects your bronchi and prevents you from breathing correctly. With time you can improve and continue living a full life when you take care of yourself.
In most cases, this is usually a hereditary condition, and several things can trigger an attack. If you have this condition, you should know that allergens, smoke, cold, and many more can cause an attack, so you should avoid them. You can also talk to your doctor about how to prevent and manage the attack when it happens. Have your inhaler handy to take care of the wheezing so that you can breathe normally again.
Pneumonia
The pneumonia symptoms can be mild, or they can be harsh because it is an infection that attacks your breathing system. If you have other chronic conditions like CHF and asthma, you are at higher risk of suffering from pneumonia.
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How To Find An Asthma Treatment Specialist
- Posted on: Aug 20 2021
- Ariana Salazar
In order to keep asthma attacks and flare-ups at bay, you need to work with a doctor on a care plan. An asthma treatment specialist can be invaluable in creating this care plan, even more so than a general practitioner. There are multiple types of asthma treatment specialists. Depending on your symptoms and needs, you may do well to research the different varieties of specialists and choose one thats right for you. Millions of Americans suffer from asthma, but luckily, theres a whole area of medical practice dedicated to treating it. Learn how to find an asthma treatment specialist and set off on the road to better health.
How Do Asthma Treatments Work
Asthma treatments work in these ways:
Bronchodilators
Bronchodilators can be short- or long-acting. If you use short-acting bronchodilators more than two days a week, talk with your doctor about your asthma control. You may need to make changes to your treatment plan to better control your asthma.
Anti-Inflammatories
Anti-inflammatories come in many different forms. They are also called controllers because they help to control or prevent asthma symptoms. They reduce swelling and extra mucus inside the airways. They will not relieve sudden symptoms.
Other Types of Medicines and Treatments
Single Maintenance and Reliever Therapy
The 2020 Focused Updates to the Asthma Management Guidelines recommends single maintenance and reliever therapy, also known as SMART. SMART uses one inhaler that has two medicines as a quick-relief and controller medicine. When on SMART, you can either take your medicine only as needed to relieve sudden symptoms, or you can take it daily as a controller and as needed for quick relief. This is based on your age and the severity of your asthma.
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Can Medicine Alone Help My Asthma
Not usually. Although medicines help a lot, they may not be able to do the job alone. You have to avoid the things that cause or trigger your asthma symptoms as much as you can. Asthma triggers can be found outside or inside your home, school, or workplace.
Improving the indoor air quality in your home is an important part of asthma control. Your indoor air can be more polluted than outside air. Our interactive Healthy Home can show you ways to improve the indoor air quality of your home. A healthier home can reduce your exposure to allergens and irritants.
Soap And Water Will Do As Well
The simpler day-to-day solution is to use water and soap, if you’ve got some handy. But make sure to wash your hands thoroughly. Health authorities in the US recommend washing your hands for at least 20 seconds, making sure to pay attention to areas like your fingertips, thumbs and underneath your nails.
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Can All Sinus Issues Be Treated With Non
No. Some patients have a structural problem within their nose or sinuses that cannot be adequately treated with medications or allergen avoidance measures. In these cases, Allergists will refer the patient to their surgical colleagues, ENTs , who treat a variety of anatomical ailments affecting the head and neck.
If Your Asthma Is Not Controlled Using Only Inhaled Corticosteroids Your Doctor May Add On Another Controller Medication Other Controller Also Need To Be Taken Regularly These Include:
Combined inhalers: corticosteroids and Long-Acting Beta2-Agonists
Doctors usually prescribe an inhaler that has a combined medicine of Long-Acting Beta2-Agonists and corticosteroid and is for people whose asthma is not controlled by their usual medicine. Long-Acting Beta2-Agonists are inhaled medicines help the airways relax, allowing more air to pass through. They have to be used in combination with an corticosteroid. A combined inhaler ensures you get both.
Examples of combination asthma medicines:
- Advair®: Made of a corticosteroid plus a Long-Acting Beta2-Agonists
- Breo®: Made of corticosteroid plus a Long-Acting Beta2-Agonists
- Symbicort®: Made of a corticosteroid plus a Long-Acting Beta2-Agonists
- Zenhale®: Made of a corticosteroid plus a Long-Acting Beta2-Agonists
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Common Reasons To See An Allergist/ Immunologist Include:
- And more
Putting it all together
Allergists/immunologists and ENTs often work together to maximize control of nasal/sinus congestion and its entirely possible you may require evaluation from both specialists. Allergists will often refer patients to ENTs when surgery is needed and ENTs often refer patients to allergists when a formal allergy assessment is required.
Allergies are not the only cause of nasal symptoms. So if you have a known structural problem or suspect one, then an ENT specialist would be a good first choice. But if you suspect that you have a sinus or breathing issues related to allergies or asthma, consider seeing a Board Certified Allergist/Immunologist who can help diagnose, treat, and effectively control your symptoms through non-surgical methods.
What Are Signs And Symptoms Of Adult Onset Asthma
Regardless of age, asthma symptoms can include:
Dry cough, especially at night or in response to specific triggers
Tightness or pressure in the chest
Wheezing a whistling sound when exhaling
Shortness of breath after exercise or physical exertion
Difficulty breathing
Colds that go to the chest or hang on for 10 days or more
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Choosing An Asthma Specialist: Points To Consider
When considering an asthma specialist, you should think about which types of asthma specialists have the skills and experience that best fits your needs, including your age, type of asthma, and medical history.
In some cases, you may need more than one specialist to manage your asthma. For example, if trigger your childs asthma symptoms, you may want your child to see a pediatrician and an .
What About Diagnosing & Treating Asthmatic Children
Many people find it interesting when they learn that children under 5 cannot be officially declared asthmatic. However, there are both allergists and pulmonologists that specialize in pediatric care. They will know what to look for when diagnosing asthma in children.
What is Aluna?
Aluna is an innovative, scientifically-accurate, and portable spirometer cleared by the FDA.
This device and management program is designed to help adults and children, 5 years and up, monitor their lung function and take control of their respiratory health.
Aluna automatically tracks your FEV1% over time. You can also monitor your symptoms, medication, exercise, and environmental factors.
With the Aluna app, you can easily
Aluna is seeking to shed light on asthma and other lung diseases by providing accurate and reliable data for healthcare providers and patients.
Be sure to ask your healthcare professional about Aluna and how this device can benefit you.
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When To See An Allergist
Allergists/Immunologists are highly trained specialists that diagnose, treat, and manage allergic inflammation of all types through nonsurgical methods.
Allergies are caused when the immune system decides that an otherwise harmless substance is now a threat . Symptoms can be mild or severe, and in some cases, can lead to a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis when triggered by foods, stinging insects or medications. Allergic reactions to environmental substances are very common and usually cause recurrent nasal congestion, uncomfortable facial pressure, nasal drainage, throat clearing, and/or sneezing. Many people with environmental allergies frequently complain of having chronic sinus headaches or sinus pain.
There is no doubt that allergies can have a major impact on the quality of life for people of all ages. Unfortunately, many people struggling with allergic nasal or sinus problems do not realize their symptoms are due to allergies and believe that their condition is untreatable. Fortunately, these symptoms can usually be effectively managed or even prevented with an Allergists help.