Millions of people worldwide suffer from asthma, a chronic respiratory disease. Breathing becomes challenging due to inflammation and airway narrowing. There are occasions when specialized care is required, even though many people manage their asthma well with the assistance of a general practitioner or family physician. Controlling your symptoms, avoiding complications, and enhancing your quality of life can all be greatly impacted by knowing when to consult a specialist, such as an allergist or pulmonologist.
This blog will help you learn what to anticipate from specialized asthma care, when to see an asthma specialist, and which type of specialist to consult.
Episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath are the hallmarks of asthma. The bronchial tubes, which transport air into and out of the lungs, become inflamed and constricted, resulting in these symptoms.
The majority of asthmatics are able to control their illness by:
However, even with common therapies, asthma can occasionally become harder to manage or worsen. At this point, seeking advice from an expert becomes essential.
If you encounter any of the following circumstances, you might need to consult an asthma specialist:
Even after taking your prescribed medication, if you continue to have frequent asthma attacks, it may indicate that your current management strategy isn't working.
For severe cases, they can also suggest cutting-edge therapies like biologic treatments.
If you frequently encounter:
To evaluate your lung function and inflammation levels, a specialist can do tests such as peak flow monitoring, FeNO (fractional exhaled nitric oxide), or spirometry. They can modify your treatment strategy for improved control based on these findings.
The symptoms of asthma are similar to those of bronchitis, vocal cord dysfunction, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Through sophisticated pulmonary function tests and allergy testing, a specialist can assist in confirming the diagnosis of asthma if your doctor has a suspicion but is unsure.
This guarantees that you avoid needless drugs and receive the appropriate treatment for your particular ailment.
Although bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids are usually safe, certain patients may have adverse effects like:
A specialist can assist in changing your medication or recommend substitute treatments that reduce side effects while preserving asthma control if these side effects worsen or continue.
See a professional if your asthma is preventing you from working, exercising, or sleeping. Fatigue, worry, and even depression can result from chronic symptoms, particularly if you feel constrained by your illness.
A professional can assist you in identifying breathing techniques, medication adjustments, and lifestyle changes that enhance your day-to-day functioning.
It is a sign that your asthma is out of control if you have been admitted to the hospital or seen in the ER more than once in a year. Experts can assess what went wrong, such as improper drug dosage, missed triggers, or improper inhaler technique, and develop a more successful treatment strategy.
Asthma can occasionally coexist with other illnesses that exacerbate its symptoms, including:
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
A case of sinusitis
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease
Apnea during sleep
A professional can help you improve your overall respiratory health by coordinating treatment for these coexisting illnesses.
You might be sent to one of the following specialists if your asthma becomes complicated or challenging to manage:
The illnesses of the lungs and respiratory system are the specialty of a pulmonologist. Their ideal uses are:
They concentrate on treating severe or resistant patients and enhancing lung function.
Asthma is mostly triggered by allergic diseases, which are the focus of an allergist/immunologist's diagnosis and treatment.
To find triggers like dust mites, pollen, mold, or pet dander, they can conduct allergy skin or blood tests.
The allergist might suggest the following if your asthma is caused by allergies:
Children's developing lungs and heightened sensitivity to environmental stimuli might make managing their asthma more difficult. When treating childhood asthma, a pediatric pulmonologist is qualified to provide age-appropriate and safe care.
A specialist will do the following when you visit them:
In addition to regular inhalers, asthma specialists can provide sophisticated treatments such as:
When traditional therapy is insufficiently effective, these treatments are typically recommended.
To get the most out of your trip:
These techniques can assist you in efficiently managing your asthma both before and after consulting a specialist:
Related: The Connection Between Air Pollution and Asthma
The severity of asthma can vary from moderate and controllable to severe and life-altering. Knowing when to seek specialized care is crucial, even though your general practitioner can assist with basic treatment. Speaking with an asthma professional can help you regain control and breathe easier if your symptoms are unmanageable, get worse over time, or interfere with your day-to-day activities.
In addition to improving symptom management, early intervention by a pulmonologist or allergist helps avoid long-term lung damage and consequences. Keep in mind that the objective is to live well with asthma, not just to survive it.
It's critical to get professional help right away if you or a loved one is experiencing chronic asthma symptoms. Under the direction of highly skilled pulmonologists and equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital in Mumbai provides comprehensive respiratory and allergy care. The hospital guarantees precise diagnosis, individualized care, and long-term asthma management for enhanced quality of life using a patient-centered approach and cutting-edge technology. Speak with the experts at Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital right now to start down the path to easy breathing.
