Asthma Specialists Serving Metro Atlanta

Why See an Allergist for Asthma?

Allergists are physicians with advanced training in allergy, asthma, and immunology. They can diagnose asthma, consider whether allergens contribute to symptoms, interpret allergy test results alongside your medical history, and develop a plan that addresses both conditions.

This combined approach may be especially helpful when breathing symptoms worsen during Georgia pollen seasons or when year-round allergens such as dust mites, mold, or pets are the trigger. Center for Allergy & Asthma of Georgia's board-certified allergists care for children and adults.

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a long-term condition that affects the airways in the lungs. During a flare-up, the airways may become inflamed, tighten, and produce extra mucus. This can make it harder to move air in and out. Symptoms may come and go, and the triggers that cause them can differ from one person to another.

What Are Common Asthma Symptoms?

Asthma doesn't look the same for everyone. Some people wheeze, while others mainly have a recurring cough. Symptoms may include:

• Wheezing or a whistling sound while breathing
• A recurring cough, especially at night or early in the morning
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pressure
• Waking from sleep because of coughing or breathing trouble
• Difficulty keeping up with exercise or usual activities

Allergies, airborne irritants, respiratory infections, physical activity, weather changes, strong emotions, and certain medicines can trigger asthma symptoms. Because similar symptoms can also occur with other health conditions, recurring coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath should be evaluated.

Which Type of Asthma Might Be Causing Your Symptoms?

Asthma can begin at different ages and show up in different ways. When symptoms start and what brings them on help your allergist decide which tests make sense.

Allergic Asthma

Allergic asthma is the most common type of asthma. It occurs when exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, or cockroach allergens triggers airway inflammation and asthma symptoms. An allergist can evaluate whether allergies are contributing to breathing symptoms and develop a plan that addresses both conditions.

Adult-Onset Asthma

You can develop asthma at any age. Why some people first develop asthma after childhood is not always clear, but certain health conditions and exposures may increase the risk. New breathing symptoms in adulthood should be evaluated because they can resemble other conditions.

Childhood Asthma

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in children. Although its exact cause is not known, certain risk factors may make a child more likely to develop it. Children may not have the words to describe chest tightness or shortness of breath, but recurring cough, wheezing, nighttime symptoms, or difficulty keeping up during play may be clues.

Cough-Variant Asthma

With cough-variant asthma, a dry, persistent cough may be the main symptom. Wheezing and shortness of breath may be mild or absent.

Exercise-Induced Asthma

Exercise-induced asthma causes coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath during or soon after physical activity.

When Should You See an Asthma Specialist?

Make an appointment if breathing symptoms keep returning, are hard to explain, or interfere with daily life. Other reasons to see a specialist include:

• Coughing or wheezing that keeps coming back
• Symptoms that wake you at night
• Breathing problems that limit exercise or usual activities
• Frequent flare-ups or urgent care visits
• Quick-relief medicine that is not working as expected or is needed more often than your treatment plan allows
• Nasal allergies or seasonal symptoms that seem connected to breathing problems

A specialist can also help if you were diagnosed with asthma in the past, but your symptoms are no longer well controlled.

What Happens During an Asthma Evaluation?

Your appointment begins with a review of your symptoms and medical history. Bring a list of your medicines and anything you suspect triggers your symptoms. The allergist will ask when symptoms occur, whether they interrupt sleep or activity, and what has helped. They may listen to your lungs and use spirometry to measure airflow. Allergy testing may be recommended if your history points to an allergic trigger. The approach may differ for young children who can't complete standard breathing tests.

Learn more about asthma testing and treatment.