Take Control of Asthma

See an Allergist, an Asthma Specialist

An allergist can help you learn more about your asthma and develop a treatment plan that works for you.

The Guidelines say that you should see an asthma specialist if you:

• have asthma symptoms every day and often at night that cause you to limit your activity
• have had a life-threatening asthma attack
• do not meet the goals of your asthma treatment after three to six months, or your doctor believes you are not responding to current treatment
• have symptoms that are unusual or hard to diagnose
• have conditions such as severe hay fever or sinusitis that complicate your asthma or your diagnosis
• need more tests to find out more about your asthma and the causes of your symptoms
• need more help and instruction on your treatment plan, medicines or asthma triggers
• might be helped by allergy shots
• need oral corticosteroid therapy or high-dose inhaled corticosteroids
• have taken oral corticosteroids more than twice in one year
• have stayed in a hospital because of your asthma
• need help to identify your asthma triggers

An asthma specialist is recommended for children ages 0-4 who have asthma symptoms every day and three to four nights or more a month, and should be considered for children who have symptoms three days or more a week and one to two nights a month.

To find an allergist near you, visit the Allergist Locator.