Who should I see for my asthma, an allergist or a pulmonologist. What are the key differences between these asthma specialists. How do I determine which doctor is best suited for my specific asthma condition. What factors should I consider when selecting an asthma specialist.

Understanding Asthma Specialists: Allergists vs. Pulmonologists

Asthma is a complex respiratory condition that requires specialized care. Two primary types of doctors treat asthma: allergists and pulmonologists. Each specialist brings unique expertise to asthma management, and choosing the right one can significantly impact your treatment’s effectiveness.

Allergists are experts in immunology, focusing on allergic reactions and their impact on the respiratory system. Pulmonologists, on the other hand, specialize in the entire respiratory system and its associated diseases. Understanding the distinctions between these specialists is crucial for patients seeking optimal asthma care.

What does an allergist do for asthma patients?

An allergist specializes in diagnosing and treating allergies, including allergy-induced asthma. They have extensive training in immunology, which allows them to understand the complex interactions between allergens and the immune system. Allergists are particularly adept at:

• Identifying environmental triggers such as dust mites, mold, pet dander, and pollen
• Diagnosing food allergies that may exacerbate asthma symptoms
• Conducting allergy tests to pinpoint specific triggers
• Developing comprehensive treatment plans that address both allergies and asthma
• Prescribing and managing immunotherapy treatments

How does a pulmonologist approach asthma treatment?

Pulmonologists are medical doctors who specialize in the respiratory system. Their expertise extends to all aspects of lung function and respiratory diseases. When treating asthma, pulmonologists focus on:

• Assessing overall lung function through various diagnostic tests
• Managing non-allergic asthma triggers such as stress and exercise
• Treating severe asthma cases that may require more intensive interventions
• Addressing comorbid respiratory conditions like COPD or bronchitis
• Providing specialized care for patients with multiple lung conditions

Determining Which Asthma Specialist to See

Choosing between an allergist and a pulmonologist depends on several factors related to your specific asthma condition. Consider the following aspects when deciding which specialist to consult:

Is your asthma triggered by allergies?

If you notice that your asthma symptoms worsen in response to specific environmental factors or foods, an allergist may be the best choice. They can help identify and manage allergy-induced asthma through targeted treatments and lifestyle modifications.

Do you have non-allergic asthma triggers?

For those whose asthma is primarily triggered by factors such as stress, exercise, or respiratory infections, a pulmonologist might be more appropriate. They can provide comprehensive care for asthma that isn’t directly linked to allergies.

What is the severity of your asthma?

If you’ve experienced severe asthma attacks requiring emergency care or hospitalization, a pulmonologist’s expertise in critical respiratory care may be beneficial. They are well-equipped to handle complex cases and provide advanced treatment options.

The Role of Other Healthcare Providers in Asthma Management

While allergists and pulmonologists are the primary specialists for asthma care, other healthcare providers can also play important roles in managing the condition:

How can internists contribute to asthma care?

Internists, who specialize in internal medicine, can provide general care for adult asthma patients. They often serve as primary care physicians and can manage mild to moderate asthma cases, referring to specialists when necessary.

What is the role of pediatricians in childhood asthma?

Pediatricians are trained to diagnose and treat asthma in children. They can provide ongoing care for mild to moderate cases and coordinate with specialists for more complex situations.

How do pulmonary rehabilitation therapists support asthma treatment?

Pulmonary rehabilitation therapists work alongside other specialists to improve lung function and quality of life for asthma patients. They focus on exercises, breathing techniques, and education to help patients better manage their condition.

Comprehensive Asthma Care: When to Consider Both Specialists

In some cases, patients may benefit from seeing both an allergist and a pulmonologist. This collaborative approach can provide a more comprehensive treatment plan, especially for those with complex asthma cases.

When is it beneficial to consult both specialists?

Patients with severe asthma that has both allergic and non-allergic components may find value in consulting both types of specialists. This approach allows for a more thorough evaluation of all potential triggers and treatment options.

How do allergists and pulmonologists collaborate in asthma care?

When working together, allergists and pulmonologists can provide complementary care. The allergist may focus on identifying and managing allergic triggers, while the pulmonologist addresses overall lung function and any additional respiratory concerns.

Selecting the Right Asthma Specialist: Key Considerations

Choosing the most appropriate asthma specialist is crucial for effective management of your condition. Consider the following factors when making your decision:

What qualifications should I look for in an asthma specialist?

Ensure that your chosen specialist is board-certified in their respective field (allergy and immunology or pulmonology). Look for doctors with experience treating asthma and staying current with the latest treatment options.

How important is the doctor-patient relationship in asthma care?

A good rapport with your asthma specialist is essential for long-term management. Choose a doctor who listens to your concerns, explains things clearly, and involves you in treatment decisions.

Should I consider the location and availability of the specialist?

Practical considerations such as the specialist’s location and appointment availability are important, especially for ongoing care. Ensure that you can easily access your chosen doctor for regular check-ups and emergencies.

Advanced Diagnostic Tools in Asthma Specialist Care

Both allergists and pulmonologists use various diagnostic tools to assess and monitor asthma. Understanding these tools can help you appreciate the comprehensive care provided by these specialists.

What diagnostic tests do allergists use for asthma?

Allergists commonly employ tests such as:

• Skin prick tests to identify specific allergens
• Blood tests to measure IgE antibodies
• Spirometry to assess lung function
• Exhaled nitric oxide tests to measure airway inflammation

How do pulmonologists evaluate lung function in asthma patients?

Pulmonologists may use additional tests including:

• Comprehensive pulmonary function tests
• Bronchoprovocation tests to assess airway responsiveness
• Chest X-rays or CT scans to evaluate lung structure
• Exercise stress tests to assess asthma symptoms during physical activity

Emerging Trends in Asthma Specialist Care

The field of asthma care is continually evolving, with new treatments and approaches being developed. Both allergists and pulmonologists stay abreast of these advancements to provide cutting-edge care.

What are some recent innovations in allergy-related asthma treatments?

Recent developments in allergy-related asthma care include:

• Biologics targeting specific inflammatory pathways
• Sublingual immunotherapy for allergen desensitization
• Advanced allergen detection and avoidance strategies
• Personalized treatment plans based on genetic and biomarker profiles

How are pulmonologists incorporating new technologies in asthma management?

Pulmonologists are adopting various technological advancements, such as:

• Smart inhalers with digital tracking capabilities
• Artificial intelligence-assisted diagnosis and treatment planning
• Remote monitoring systems for continuous asthma control assessment
• Bronchial thermoplasty for severe, treatment-resistant asthma

In conclusion, the choice between an allergist and a pulmonologist for asthma care depends on the individual patient’s specific condition, triggers, and severity of symptoms. Both specialists offer valuable expertise in managing asthma, and in some cases, a collaborative approach may provide the most comprehensive care. By understanding the roles of these specialists and considering your unique needs, you can make an informed decision to optimize your asthma management and improve your quality of life.

Should I See an Allergist or a Pulmonologist for My Asthma?

in Pulmonary Medicine

August 06, 2021

Tagged With: : Lung & Sleep Specialists of North Texas, Asthma Treatment, asthma treatment near me, asthma treatment Weatherford TX, Pulmonologist, pulmonologist near me, pulmonologist Weatherford TX, Pulmonology Treatment, Pulmonology Treatment near me, Pulmonology Treatment Weatherford TX

Two types of doctors treat asthma: allergists and pulmonologists. It is important that you see the right one to get the most effective treatment for your condition. How can the average person discern which medical doctor to see and not waste time going to the wrong one?

To help you with this, let’s talk about the difference between an allergist and a pulmonologist.

Allergist

An allergist is a doctor that specializes in immunology. An allergic reaction is an immunological response, and an allergist has in-depth knowledge and extensive training in diagnosing and treating allergies.

You may be better off seeing an allergist if your asthma symptoms develop from environmental factors or food. Examples of environmental allergens include dust mites, mold, cockroaches, pet dander, harsh cleaning chemicals, smoke, and air pollution. Examples of food allergens include wheat, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, and shellfish.

Do you have reason to believe that any one of the aforementioned is causing your asthma symptoms? If yes, you may have allergy-induced asthma. An allergist is most qualified to help manage this type of asthma.

Pulmonologist

A pulmonologist is a doctor with training in pulmonary medicine, which is a sub-specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the respiratory system. The respiratory system is composed of organs and tissues that help you breathe, which start from the nose and end in the lungs.

Examples of conditions that a pulmonologist treats include bronchitis, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary hypertension, cystic fibrosis, tuberculosis, and lung cancer. A pulmonologist also treats asthma triggered by stress and exercise, not allergy-induced asthma. If your asthma symptoms do not seem to be triggered by environmental factors or food, you may be better off seeing a pulmonologist.

The severity of asthma symptoms is another key indicator of what type of asthma you have. If you’ve had a life-threatening asthma attack or have been to the emergency room for it, it’s best to see a pulmonologist, for their in-depth knowledge of lung and airway issues ensures you get the best possible treatment. Moreover, if you have a chronic lung condition or respiratory illness and disease plus asthma, a pulmonologist is most qualified to treat patients with one or more lung conditions.

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 that’s 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 (817) 594-9993 or use our appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!

Allergist, Pulmonologist, and More Types

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Questions to Ask When Choosing an Asthma Specialist

If you have asthma, it’s important to carefully select an asthma specialist — a doctor who understands respiratory problems and treats asthma — as your health care provider. Here are some asthma specialists to consider:

Allergist. An allergist is a pediatrician or internist who has taken additional training to qualify as a specialist in allergy and immunology. An allergist specializes in allergies, asthma, and allergic asthma.

Internist. An internist is a doctor who specializes in internal medicine — the study of diseases in adults, particularly those related to internal organs and general medicine — and who has completed three years of training after medical school.

Pediatrician. A pediatrician is a doctor who has three years of special training after medical school in the care of children from birth though college. A pediatrician can diagnose and treat childhood asthma.

Pulmonologist. A pulmonologist has taken two or three additional years of training following residency in internal medicine or pediatrics to qualify as a specialist in respiratory diseases. Some pulmonologists may get additional board certification in critical-care medicine.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Therapist. While not a physician, this nurse or respiratory therapist is trained in pulmonary rehabilitation techniques and can provide asthma support and information on exercise and asthma, lung function, and stress and asthma. The pulmonary rehabilitation therapist can help educate you on how to care for your symptoms of asthma.

Once you determine the type of asthma specialist you want to see, consider the following questions to help make the best choice:

1. Is the doctor board certified? This means that the doctor passed a standard exam given by the governing board in their specialty.
2. Where did the doctor go to medical school? Your local medical society can provide this information.
3. Is the doctor involved in any academic pursuits, such as teaching, writing, or research? Such a doctor may be more up-to-date in the latest developments in the treatment of asthma.
4. Where does the doctor have hospital privileges and where are these hospitals located? Some doctors may not admit patients to certain hospitals, and this is an important consideration for anyone with a chronic health problem.
5. Does the doctor accept your particular type of health insurance, or is the doctor a member of the medical panel associated with your HMO?

Changes in medical coverage may mean that the doctor you now see will not be the one you see in a year or two. This makes it even more important to understand your asthma diagnosis fully, stay abreast of treatment methods, and follow your asthma action plan.

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Bronchial asthma symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, recommendations

Manifestations and severity of allergies may be different, but all these manifestations are the result of the development of inflammation of allergic origin. Most often, it is the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract that react, through which the allergen enters the body.

In this case, the pulmonologist, after conducting the necessary examinations, diagnoses: Bronchial asthma, and prescribes appropriate treatment.

What kind of disease is bronchial asthma?

Bronchial asthma is an allergic disease, experts of the World Health Organization consider it a global problem: in the world today, about 300 million people suffer from asthma: from 4% to 10% of the adult population of the planet and 10-15% of children. Asthma is the fifth most common disease after heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes. Sad statistics: more than 180 thousand people suffering from bronchial asthma die every year on the planet. By 2025, the number of asthmatics will increase by another 100 million, while the number of severe forms will increase, and in the second half of the 21st century, every second child will suffer from asthma, doctors say. This is such a sad prospect, although today asthma is the most common chronic disease among children.

Doctors see the reason for such high rates in the absence of early and accurate diagnosis of bronchial asthma. It is paradoxical, but true: although there is a clear definition of the disease, it has vivid symptoms, modern research methods are at the disposal of doctors, bronchial asthma is often diagnosed as bronchitis and is treated incorrectly and ineffectively for quite a long time – courses of antibiotics and antitussive drugs.

As a result, the disease progresses, and the person falls into the hands of a specialist – an allergist, a pulmonologist already with an advanced form. Three out of five patients with bronchial asthma are diagnosed in the later stages.

This is how inflammation in the bronchi looks like in bronchial asthma.

What can be done for your health to reduce allergies?

It turns out that there are measures that reduce the general allergic reaction of the body – this is systemic ozone therapy.

Medical ozone has anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and analgesic properties. Ozone also has detoxifying, antiviral and antimicrobial effects, it is also called a natural antibiotic. Most importantly, this technique is non-drug, but very effective!

Our clinic has modern equipment for ozone therapy. Treatment is carried out in courses (3-7 times) in the form of intravenous droppers of ozonized saline.

Bronchial asthma is a respiratory disease. Examination and prescription of treatment is carried out by a pulmonologist and an allergist.

In pulmonology, ozone therapy is used to eliminate hypoxia, and therefore to influence many aspects of the pathological process associated with O2 deficiency:

• delivery of “free oxygen” to tissues;
• improvement of the rheological properties of blood;
• stimulation of macrophagocytosis;
• detoxification.

Due to the various mechanisms of ozone action, systemic ozone therapy is very effective in various diseases, such as:

• Diseases of the cardiovascular system (vascular atherosclerosis, hypertension, coronary heart disease, etc. ) and prevention of their complications;
• Metabolic disease: dyslipidaemias, elevated cholesterol, obesity, localized fat deposits;
• Vegetative-vascular dystonia, headache, migraine, consequences of traumatic brain injury;
• Respiratory diseases: bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia;
• Frequent acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections;
• Diseases of ENT organs: rhinitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, otitis media;
• Diabetes mellitus;
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer; chronic hepatitis), prevention of their complications;
• Diseases of the skin and mucous membranes: furunculosis, herpetic and fungal infections, neurodermatitis, psoriasis;
• Various types of allergies: bronchial asthma (as one of the manifestations of allergies), allergic rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, conjunctivitis;
• Chronic fatigue syndrome, beriberi;
• Osteochondrosis of the spine, deforming arthrosis;
• Toxicosis of pregnancy;
• Inflammatory urological and gynecological diseases;
• Immunodeficiency conditions;
• Comprehensive body rejuvenation, cellulite treatment.

Our clinic has modern equipment for ozone therapy. Treatment is carried out in courses (3-7 times) in the form of intravenous droppers of ozonated saline.

Medical ozonizer MedozonBM

One of the main ways of administering ozone is intravenous ozone therapy – drip injection of ozone-saturated saline solution in a certain concentration for this particular patient in accordance with his diagnosis.

Saline saline ozonation.

Bronchial asthma is a respiratory disease. Examination and prescription of treatment is carried out by a pulmonologist and an allergist.

In pulmonology, ozone therapy is used to eliminate hypoxia, and therefore to influence many aspects of the pathological process associated with O2 deficiency:

• delivery of “free oxygen” to tissues;
• improvement of the rheological properties of blood;
• stimulation of macrophagocytosis;
• detoxification.

Indications:

1. Bronchial asthma.
2. Hobl.
3. Aggravation, any stage and stage.
4. Prevention of asthma. Hobl.
5. Pneumonia in complex treatment.
6. Acute tracheitis. Acute bronchitis.

Contraindications:

1. Age over 80 years.
2. Hyperthyroidism.
3. Oncology, including history.
4. Hemophilia.
5. Blood clotting disorders by type of hypocoagulation.

Patients with pulmonary diagnoses with complications (for example: myocarditis, nephritis, etc.), as well as patients with severe concomitant pathology, should consult an ozone therapist for the appointment of ozone therapy. The ozone therapist will take into account all the nuances of the condition and select the appropriate regimen of systemic (intravenous) ozone therapy.

Find out more information in the sections OZONE THERAPY, pulmonology and allergology on our website. Come to see a pulmonologist, an allergist and an ozone therapist at our ENT medical center.

Be healthy!

KGBUZ “Kezhemskaya RB” – Which doctor treats bronchial asthma?

This question is asked by patients who first encountered the disease – bronchial asthma.

The initial diagnosis is always made by a general practitioner or pediatrician (when the disease is noted in childhood), a pulmonologist is directly involved in the treatment.

Bronchial asthma can occur with various symptoms and occur due to various reasons. Depending on the development path, several doctors can simultaneously treat asthma, which include:

• gastroenterologist;
• allergist;
• pulmonologist;
• cardiologist.

With the development of bronchial asthma, direct treatment is carried out by doctors: a pulmonologist and an allergist. If the patient has problems with cardiac activity, the participation of a cardiologist is required.

The dyspeptic form of asthma in adults and children, as a rule, is not accompanied by suffocation, but requires the mandatory participation of a gastroenterologist.

1. During the examination, the pulmonologist may prescribe a number of special examinations that should confirm or, conversely, weed out the cause of asthmatic disease.
2. First of all, a pulmonologist can refer the patient to an appointment with an allergist, since in most cases bronchial asthma has an allergic path of development. You should not neglect visiting an allergist. This will identify allergens, the attack of which provoked asthma. As a rule, a blood test for the determination of specific antigens is prescribed for this.
3. Of great importance is the consultation that an otorhinolaryngologist (ENT doctor) should conduct to exclude inflammatory diseases in the larynx, since swelling of the mucous membranes can develop in all parts of the bronchi.
4. In addition, a visit to an endocrinologist is recommended, as hormonal disorders, as well as allergies, can lead to asthmatic manifestations.

Each of the above doctors, in addition to general practice, is the most competent in his specialty, the diseases of which he treats. However, the close interaction of all specialists allows us to most accurately identify the etiology and pathogenesis of bronchial asthma and prescribe the most effective treatment.

Asthma or not?

Bronchial asthma is characterized by the following symptoms:

In the presence of such symptoms, a pulmonologist has the right to prescribe a diagnosis with subsequent treatment.

Diagnosis of the disease

• To confirm the diagnosis, the attending physician prescribes spirometry and peak fluorometry. Such diagnostics is aimed at analyzing the patient’s respiratory conduction.
• Spirometry is most commonly performed in adults, with the patient taking a deep breath and then exhaling it into a spirometer to measure VC (vital capacity). With a peak flow meter, the doctor measures the maximum exhalation speed.
• The doctor who conducts the examination uses all the results obtained and draws a conclusion based on the diagnosis. After that, the most optimal treatment strategy is selected.
• Compulsory examination of blood and sputum. In this case, first of all, sensitivity to antibiotic therapy is determined to determine the further tactics of managing the disease. In addition, the doctor should conduct a cytological examination.
• Chest X-ray is often prescribed. It may be accompanied by a computed tomography scan. These examinations are aimed at excluding secondary lesions of the respiratory system, as well as identifying the presence of foreign bodies in the respiratory tract. In addition, such diagnostics reveals chronic circulatory deficiency

Treatment must be started on time. Why?

• Bronchial asthma cannot be completely cured, but it is quite possible to achieve partial or complete control over it. If treatment is started at an early stage of development, the symptoms of the disease can be significantly reduced.
• When the process is protracted and treatment is not carried out or the chosen tactics were ineffective, asthma can become severe. At the same time, the symptoms of the disease significantly disrupt the functioning of the patient’s body as a whole.
• In this case, hormone therapy is most often prescribed for adult patients. For children, the appointment of glucocorticosteroids requires maximum caution and an individual approach.
• If a patient is diagnosed with bronchial asthma of an infectious-allergic nature, which occurs against the background of the development of chronic bronchitis, pneumosclerosis and pneumonia, the pulmonologist performs the main treatment.
• When an atopic (allergic) form of asthma is diagnosed in adults, it is treated directly by an allergist. But for any etiology of the disease, there is an immutable rule: for a child, the supervision of a pediatrician is necessary, and for an adult, the accompaniment of a therapist is required.

Based on the diagnosis and severity of symptoms, the pulmonologist selects the most optimal treatment regimen, which will later be called a treatment program. It describes in detail all the nuances of therapy and possible emergency treatment in case of deterioration. This allows you to get the maximum effect from therapy, acting in close contact with the patient.

What should a patient know about bronchial asthma?

A leaflet has been developed for a patient with bronchial asthma in order to educate the patient to achieve the most positive result of treatment, which also includes the prevention of the disease.

1. It must be remembered that bronchial asthma is characterized by a chronic course, requiring constant monitoring and control of the respiratory tract.
2. It is important to remember that self-treatment should not be stopped in any case, even with a noticeable improvement in the condition.
3. Treatment must be prolonged. In addition, prevention is of great importance, if followed, a long-term remission can be achieved.

Important! Important! Important!

Each patient suffering from this disease must be able to recognize in time an incipient acute attack and perform the necessary algorithm of actions to neutralize it. Prevention and course of bronchial asthma directly depend on the correct implementation of all medical recommendations. Often a person’s life depends on it!

Non-drug methods of prevention and treatment of bronchial asthma:

more free. When performing breathing exercises, sputum discharge is facilitated, which is the positive effect on the drainage function of the bronchial tree. The methods of breathing exercises according to Strelnikova, Buteyko, with the Frolov apparatus are successfully used.

Breathing exercises:

1. Improves nasal breathing;
2. Eliminates diseases of the upper respiratory tract;
3. Improves the condition of the cardiovascular system;
4. Improves eyesight, memory;
5. Eliminates various neuroses;
6. Improves the functioning of the digestive system;
7. Strengthens the vessels in the legs.

Rules for performing breathing exercises:

1. Think only about inhaling through your nose.