Overview

Asthma is a chronic condition that causes narrowing of the airways and difficulty breathing. There is no cure for asthma, but treatment can help manage symptoms. Asthma symptoms include: breathing difficulty, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath. You may also experience chest tightness and throat irritation. These symptoms may appear more often in cold weather, when you’re sick, or when you’re exposed to irritants. Irritants include cigarette smoke, pollen, and pet dander. There are different types of doctors who can help diagnose and treat your asthma. The doctor you choose may depend on your health, age, and the severity of your asthma. Having an ongoing relationship with your doctor can help you manage your asthma symptoms. You should see a pulmonologist if you have a disease that affects your respiratory system. Your doctor may refer you to a pulmonologist if your asthma symptoms have a more severe cause. A pulmonologist specializes in diseases that affect your lungs, upper airways, thoracic cavity, and chest wall. They have special training with prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of lung and respiratory illnesses. Credentials: A pulmonologist must complete at least two years of graduate training in pulmonary diseases after medical school. These doctors can treat asthma and other breathing conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and emphysema. Asthma isn’t curable, but treatment can help. Talk to your family doctor first to learn more about your asthma. It’s possible your doctor may refer you to a specialist for treatment. Treatment can help you manage your asthma symptoms and reduce flare-ups. By working with the right asthma doctors, you can receive an effective treatment plan and reduce the risk of complications associated with asthma. Call us at (347) 658-3975.