If your asthma symptoms worsen after spending time outdoors, around pets or during certain seasons, then allergies could be responsible. Treating allergic asthma starts with identifying the triggers behind your symptoms. An allergy doctor in the Atlanta area can help determine whether allergies are contributing to your asthma.
7 Reasons to See an Allergy Doctor for Allergic Asthma
If allergies are making your asthma symptoms worse, seeing an allergy doctor can help you manage the condition. Here are seven reasons to schedule an evaluation.
1. Determine Whether Allergies Are Causing Your Asthma Symptoms
Pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold and other allergens can all trigger allergic asthma symptoms. However, asthma symptoms alone aren’t enough to determine whether allergies are involved. An allergy doctor will evaluate your medical history, symptoms and potential triggers to determine whether allergies are the cause of your asthma symptoms.
2. Rule Out Other Conditions Affecting Your Breathing
Common symptoms like wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath can be triggered by allergens, but they may also be caused by other conditions including respiratory infections or sinus conditions. An allergy doctor will consider all potential factors during an evaluation.
3. Get Accurate Allergy Testing
Anything from exercise to food allergies can trigger asthma symptoms. If an allergy doctor suspects that an allergen might be exacerbating your symptoms, they will usually perform skin prick testing or blood testing to assess your immune system’s response to allergens.
4. Review Treatment Options for Allergic Asthma
After assessing test results and asthma symptoms, an allergy doctor can recommend the appropriate treatment plan. Prescription medication can be effective in controlling inflammation and preventing symptoms, while in some cases allergy shots (immunotherapy) will be considered, as they can reduce sensitivity to environmental allergens.
5. Reduce Your Reliance on Rescue Inhalers
Patients may need rescue inhalers more often when they are repeatedly exposed to their allergy triggers. By treating the underlying triggers many patients will need this medication less often, and find that they can control their asthma symptoms far better.
6. Learn How to Manage Allergy Triggers
Allergy doctors can also give practical advice for reducing exposure to allergens and preventing asthma flare-ups. After identifying the trigger, allergists can recommend simple strategies such as monitoring forecasts for high pollen counts and improving indoor air quality.
7. Improve Long-Term Asthma Management
Asthma symptoms and allergic responses won’t necessarily stay the same, particularly in younger children, as their immune systems continue to develop. Allergy doctors can periodically reassess asthma treatment options, monitor symptom progression, and perform additional tests to identify changes.
Visit an Atlanta-Area Allergist for Your Asthma Symptoms
If you or a family member have asthma symptoms, visit Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center for treatment. Our allergists provide allergy and asthma testing at centers across the Atlanta area. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment.
