If you’re struggling to keep your asthma under control, an allergist might be the key to managing your symptoms. Effective asthma treatment provides relief by addressing the underlying causes of the condition, not just the symptoms. When allergies contribute to flare-ups, identifying the specific triggers allows you to treat the root of the problem. Here are the main ways that Atlanta allergists can help you manage asthma more effectively.
What Are the Main Ways Allergists Help Control Asthma?
As the most common type of asthma, allergic asthma affects people of all ages. Allergists play a key role in managing this type of asthma, from identifying what’s triggering symptoms to providing ongoing support to reduce asthma attacks.
Identify Asthma Triggers
Allergists use procedures such as skin prick testing and blood testing to uncover allergy triggers like pollen, dust mites, mold and pet dander. In addition, an assessment of allergy symptoms and medical history can identify other common triggers, such as exercise, respiratory infections and smoke. After completing a thorough evaluation, you should have a much better view of what triggers your asthma.
Create an Asthma Treatment Plan
Allergists use test results, asthma severity, frequency of symptoms and other factors to develop an asthma treatment plan. A typical plan may include inhalers, rescue medication, lifestyle changes, and an emergency plan for school or the workplace. With a plan in place, most patients feel more in control of their asthma symptoms.
Prescribe Medication to Control Asthma
An allergist will consider asthma triggers and how to treat them before prescribing medication. Common options include corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers and rescue inhalers to manage severe attacks. When you visit your allergist’s office, they can also offer advice on the correct inhaler techniques to ensure the medication is delivered effectively.
Treat Allergies With Immunotherapy
When seasonal or environmental allergies are contributing to your asthma symptoms, immunotherapy is an important treatment to consider. Allergy shots gradually desensitize the immune system to these allergens, and reduce the chances of severe asthma flare-ups from exposure to triggers.
Support Asthma Patients and Monitor for Changes
The severity of a person’s asthma symptoms will often change over time. With regular monitoring and tests, you can find out if your treatment plan is still effective, and if alterations are necessary. Regular visits to your allergist can test for changes using spirometry and other tools.
Prevent Asthma Attacks and Emergency Room Visits
Allergists help patients recognize early warning signs and identify the specific asthma symptoms and triggers that can lead to an asthma attack. Guidance is provided on the appropriate use of rescue inhalers, along with strategies to ensure medications are taken as prescribed. With effective symptom management and routine follow-up, the likelihood of severe attacks and emergency room visits can be greatly reduced.
Speak With an Atlanta Allergist for Help Managing Asthma
Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center provides comprehensive testing and treatment for asthma, allergies and sinusitis. For help managing asthma symptoms, visit one of our treatment centers for expert support. Give us a call at (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment today.
