An asthma specialist identifies different types of asthma through symptoms and medical history. The specialist may identify asthma triggers through testing and examinations and prescribe a personalized treatment plan, such as inhalers. Here are a few things that an asthma doctor treats:
Understanding Asthma Symptoms
Persistent coughing from an asthma attack could disrupt sleep or, over time, could impair lung function. An asthma doctor may assess your symptoms, such as wheezing noises that are audible when you exhale. A doctor may begin targeted medication management to relax airways, which helps make breathing easier. Asthma treatment from specialists can help stop symptoms from progressing.
Managing Chronic Asthma
Specialists adjust medications to gain control over asthma. They commonly prescribe long-term inhaled corticosteroids to reduce lung inflammation. Bronchodilators could help open airways during an asthma attack. Specialists provide asthma management plans with medication instructions. Regular appointments allow doctors to monitor symptoms, side effects, and asthma triggers. They can then make medication adjustments if needed.
Smoke, strong odors, mold, or excessive exercise can trigger asthma symptoms. An asthma doctor might evaluate your home, work, and activity triggers. They may recommend lifestyle changes to help prevent airway inflammation. Medications may help block your body’s reaction to unavoidable triggers, giving you some relief.
Addressing Exercise-Induced Asthma
Physical activities can trigger airway constriction in children and adults with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). Symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath may begin during or after exercise sessions. A doctor may recommend using an inhaler before exercise to help open airways. Managing EIB allows athletes to continue with physical activity without worrying about asthma attacks.
Treating Allergy-Related Asthma
Allergies to dust mites, mold, pet dander, or pollen can trigger asthma attacks. An allergist will perform skin or blood tests to identify environmental allergens that cause your airway inflammation. An asthma specialist may prescribe antihistamines to manage the condition. Inhaled medications or allergy shots could help desensitize your body’s allergic response. For food allergies related to asthma, anaphylaxis action plans and prescribing an epinephrine auto-injector are common prescriptions.
Preventing Asthma Complications
Unmanaged asthma can progressively damage your lungs, affect your heart, and limit your daily activities if it is left untreated. An asthma doctor conducts regular lung function tests to detect breathing problems. If symptoms change, they may adjust your medications. Specialists educate you to help you monitor lung function at home. They can give you some methods and tips for regaining control during an attack.
Developing Asthma Management Plans
Your asthma doctor crafts a personalized action plan to provide attack management. The plan includes your known allergy and exercise triggers to limit airway inflammation. It outlines personalized medication instructions and when to use each one. You gain clarity on the daily uses of long-term control therapies, ways to address more severe attacks, and when to seek emergency care. Specialists provide education so you understand each therapeutic component and when they should be done.
Visit an Asthma Specialist Today
Specialists assist patients in developing management plans to provide asthma care and monitoring. With diagnosis and medication management, your doctor can help you control asthma. Visit an asthma specialist today and improve your respiratory wellness.