Do You Need an Asthma Doctor?

Asthma Woman with Allergist

Asthma is a chronic lung condition affecting about 25 million Americans, including children. Asthma can vary in intensity from mild to life-threatening and should be followed by a qualified asthma doctor.

Let’s talk about why you need this highly-qualified physician and where you can go in Naperville, IL, for world-class treatment.

Symptoms of Asthma

Asthma affects the entire respiratory tract, including the trachea down to the smallest alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs. The airway constricts with the development of asthma due to inflammation and mucous production, and the sufferer finds it difficult to draw a full breath.

Other symptoms of asthma include:

  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest tightness
  • Fatigue
  • Coughing
  • Limited ability to exercise or sleep

For many people, asthma symptoms are precipitated by allergic triggers–i.e., normal substances in the environment to which their immune system overreacts. These may include pollen, mold, dust, animal dander–even certain foods.

Additionally, environmental pollutants, such as car exhaust, can precipitate an asthma attack. Extreme weather conditions, including cold temperatures and humidity, can cause the following symptoms to flare up:

  • Exercise, particularly outdoor activities
  • Stress and emotional expressions, such as laughing and crying
  • Acid reflux disease (GERD)
  • Flu, sinusitis, or the common cold
  • Airborne irritants on the job, such as dust, glass particles, and chemical fumes

Do I Need an Asthma Doctor in Elmhurst, IL?

That’s a great question. In general, anyone with asthma should be followed by an allergist or pulmonologist (lung specialist). Oak Brook Allergists in Will and DuPage Counties, IL, offers state-of-the-art allergy testing to pinpoint allergy triggers, medications to control sudden symptoms, manage long-term conditions, and counsel on actionable steps to take in case of a severe asthma attack.

To be more specific, you should see one of our asthma doctors for treatment in Naperville or one of our other locations if:

  • You have undiagnosed allergies.
  • Your current asthma medications do not control your symptoms.
  • You see your symptoms worsening or becoming more frequent despite following your current treatment plan.
  • You have used the same medications and lifestyle plan for many years. (You likely need re-evaluation and an updated care plan.)

Oak Brook Allergists in Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Naperville, and Plainville, IL

Asthma can be both life-changing and life-threatening. It’s critical that asthma patients be evaluated with allergy tests and pulmonary function tests. For the best in allergy and asthma treatment, seek help from our professional team of Drs. Knysak, Pongonis, and Rubin, the board-certified professionals in allergies and immunology.

To know more or for a consultation at one of our four locations, call us today at (630) 574-0460, or request an appointment online through our website.