Why See an Allergist for Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic condition affecting the lungs, causing shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness. It is an inflammatory disorder of the lungs and most forms of asthma have an important, underlying allergic component. Those with asthma often have “triggers” that lead to attacks or asthma symptoms; triggers may include mold, pollen, dust particles, pet dander, respiratory illness, air pollution (including smoke), and exercise.
Allergists are asthma specialists and have undergone rigorous training in its management. Principle to asthma management is identifying triggers, clarifying the diagnosis, addressing co-existing conditions interfering with asthma control and building the proper treatment plan. An allergist can test for allergic triggers and educate patients in managing allergic (and non-allergic) triggers, as well as provide regular care and follow-up for those suffering from asthma.
Allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) can be a very useful treatment component for asthmatics, and allergists are specifically trained in the proper prescription and administration of allergy shots. There is also evidence that allergy shots can prevent the development of asthma in children.
Additional studies have shown that asthmatic patients who receive care by an allergist have reduced emergency room visits, reduced rates of hospitalization, decreased asthma symptoms and overall improvement in their asthma-related quality of life.
An allergist is a great resource for anyone who experiences asthma symptoms. Government guidelines from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI)recommend seeing an asthma specialist, such as an allergist, if you:
Have asthma symptoms every day and often at night that cause you to limit your activity
Have had a life-threatening asthma attack
Do not meet the goals of your asthma treatment after three to six months
Are not responding to current treatment
Have symptoms that are unusual or hard to diagnose
Have conditions such as severe hay fever or sinusitis that complicate your asthma or your diagnosis
Need more tests to find out more about your asthma and what causes your symptoms
Need more help and instruction on your treatment plan, medicines or asthma triggers
Might benefit from allergy shots
Need treatment with oral or injectable steroids
Have stayed in a hospital because of your asthma
Need help identifying your asthma triggers
Have a child with frequent or troubling asthma symptoms
At The Allergy and Asthma Medical Group our experienced allergists can help monitor your asthma symptoms, and keep the disease under control. We are able to perform pulmonary function testing in our office, and also are equipped to treat acute asthma attacks. While asthma cannot be cured, with the proper care and guidance it can be completely manageable.
The Allergy and Asthma Medical Group of the Bay Area has office locations in Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Brentwood, Pleasanton and Berkeley. Our Board Certified Allergists treat both adults and children. We offer extended office hours to accommodate patients with busy schedules.