Who are the doctors that treat asthma. What is the difference between an allergist and a pulmonologist. How to choose the right asthma specialist for your condition. What factors should you consider when selecting an asthma doctor. When should you see an allergist vs a pulmonologist for asthma symptoms.

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.

To make an informed decision, it’s crucial to understand the distinctions between these specialists and how their expertise aligns with different types of asthma.

What is an Allergist?

An allergist is a medical doctor specializing in immunology. These experts have extensive training in diagnosing and treating allergies, including allergy-induced asthma. Allergists are particularly skilled in identifying and managing asthma symptoms triggered by environmental factors or food allergens.

When Should You See an Allergist for Asthma?

Consider consulting an allergist if your asthma symptoms are primarily triggered by:

• Environmental allergens (e.g., dust mites, mold, pet dander)
• Food allergens (e.g., wheat, dairy, peanuts, shellfish)
• Seasonal allergies
• Chemical sensitivities

Allergists are equipped to conduct comprehensive allergy tests and develop targeted treatment plans for allergy-induced asthma.

What is a Pulmonologist?

A pulmonologist is a doctor specializing in pulmonary medicine, focusing on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the respiratory system. These specialists have in-depth knowledge of lung function and respiratory diseases.

When Should You See a Pulmonologist for Asthma?

A pulmonologist may be the better choice if your asthma:

• Is not primarily triggered by allergies
• Is exercise-induced or stress-related
• Has caused severe attacks or emergency room visits
• Coexists with other respiratory conditions

Pulmonologists are particularly adept at managing complex respiratory issues and severe asthma cases.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Asthma Specialist

Selecting the right asthma specialist involves considering several factors:

1. Asthma triggers: Are your symptoms primarily allergy-related or due to other factors?
2. Severity of symptoms: Have you experienced life-threatening attacks or frequent hospitalizations?
3. Coexisting conditions: Do you have other respiratory or immune system disorders?
4. Treatment history: Has your current treatment plan been effective?
5. Personal preferences: Do you feel more comfortable with a certain type of specialist?

By carefully evaluating these aspects, you can make a more informed decision about which specialist to consult.

The Role of Allergists in Asthma Management

Allergists play a crucial role in managing allergy-induced asthma. Their expertise in immunology allows them to:

• Conduct comprehensive allergy testing
• Identify specific allergen triggers
• Develop targeted treatment plans
• Prescribe immunotherapy (allergy shots) when appropriate
• Provide education on allergen avoidance strategies

For patients with allergic asthma, an allergist’s specialized knowledge can lead to more effective symptom control and improved quality of life.

How Do Allergists Diagnose Allergy-Induced Asthma?

Allergists use various diagnostic tools to identify allergy-induced asthma:

• Skin prick tests
• Blood tests for specific IgE antibodies
• Pulmonary function tests
• Exhaled nitric oxide measurements
• Detailed patient history and symptom analysis

These comprehensive evaluations help allergists pinpoint the exact triggers and develop tailored treatment strategies.

The Expertise of Pulmonologists in Asthma Care

Pulmonologists bring specialized knowledge of lung function and respiratory diseases to asthma management. Their expertise is particularly valuable for:

• Non-allergic asthma cases
• Severe or difficult-to-control asthma
• Asthma coexisting with other respiratory conditions
• Occupational asthma
• Exercise-induced asthma

Pulmonologists can provide advanced diagnostic tests and treatments that may not be available through other specialists.

What Advanced Treatments Can Pulmonologists Offer?

Pulmonologists have access to a range of advanced treatments for asthma, including:

• Bronchial thermoplasty
• Biological therapies for severe asthma
• Advanced pulmonary function testing
• Specialized medication regimens
• Comprehensive asthma action plans

These treatments can be particularly beneficial for patients with complex or severe asthma cases.

Collaborative Care: When Allergists and Pulmonologists Work Together

In some cases, the most effective asthma management may involve collaboration between allergists and pulmonologists. This integrated approach can be beneficial for patients with:

• Mixed allergic and non-allergic asthma triggers
• Severe asthma requiring multidisciplinary care
• Complex medical histories involving both allergic and respiratory conditions

Collaborative care allows patients to benefit from the combined expertise of both specialties, potentially leading to more comprehensive and effective treatment strategies.

How Does Collaborative Asthma Care Work?

In a collaborative care model:

• Allergists focus on identifying and managing allergic triggers
• Pulmonologists address overall lung function and respiratory health
• Treatment plans are coordinated between specialists
• Patients benefit from a more holistic approach to asthma management

This integrated approach can lead to improved symptom control and better long-term outcomes for complex asthma cases.

The Importance of Personalized Asthma Care

Regardless of whether you choose an allergist or a pulmonologist, personalized care is crucial for effective asthma management. Each patient’s asthma is unique, and treatment plans should be tailored to individual needs, triggers, and lifestyle factors.

What Elements Should a Personalized Asthma Care Plan Include?

An effective personalized asthma care plan typically includes:

• Identification of specific asthma triggers
• Customized medication regimens
• Lifestyle modifications and trigger avoidance strategies
• Regular monitoring and follow-up appointments
• Education on proper inhaler technique and medication use
• Emergency action plans for asthma attacks

By working closely with your chosen specialist, you can develop a comprehensive care plan that addresses your unique asthma profile.

The Role of Primary Care Physicians in Asthma Management

While allergists and pulmonologists are specialists in asthma care, primary care physicians (PCPs) also play a crucial role in asthma management. PCPs can:

• Provide initial asthma diagnoses
• Manage mild to moderate asthma cases
• Coordinate referrals to specialists when needed
• Offer ongoing support and monitoring
• Integrate asthma care with overall health management

For many patients with well-controlled asthma, a PCP may be sufficient for ongoing care, with specialist consultations as needed.

When Should You Consider Specialist Care for Asthma?

Consider seeking specialist care if:

• Your asthma is not well-controlled with current treatments
• You experience frequent asthma exacerbations
• You have had severe asthma attacks or hospitalizations
• Your asthma coexists with other respiratory or allergic conditions
• You need specialized testing or treatments not available through your PCP

Your PCP can help determine when specialist care is necessary and provide appropriate referrals.

Emerging Trends in Asthma Specialist Care

The field of asthma care is continually evolving, with new approaches and technologies emerging. Some current trends in specialist care include:

• Precision medicine approaches tailored to specific asthma phenotypes
• Advanced biomarker testing for more accurate diagnosis and treatment selection
• Telemedicine options for remote asthma monitoring and management
• Integration of digital health tools and wearable devices in asthma care
• Development of new biological therapies for severe asthma

Both allergists and pulmonologists are at the forefront of implementing these innovations in asthma care.

How Are Digital Health Tools Changing Asthma Management?

Digital health tools are revolutionizing asthma care by:

• Enabling real-time symptom tracking and medication adherence monitoring
• Providing personalized alerts and action plans based on environmental data
• Facilitating remote consultations with specialists
• Improving patient education and self-management skills
• Allowing for more data-driven treatment decisions

These tools can enhance the care provided by both allergists and pulmonologists, leading to more proactive and personalized asthma management.

In conclusion, choosing between an allergist and a pulmonologist for asthma care depends on various factors, including the nature of your asthma triggers, the severity of your symptoms, and any coexisting conditions. By understanding the unique expertise of each specialist and considering your individual needs, you can make an informed decision that leads to more effective asthma management. Remember that collaboration between specialists and ongoing communication with your healthcare team are key to achieving optimal asthma control and improving your overall 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.