Newswise–If you are someone with asthma, you know it can be a daily battle to keep your symptoms well controlled. And though most people think their asthma is well managed, the truth is, if their symptoms are unchecked, they may suffer unnecessary asthma and allergy flares.
“May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, a perfect time to remind people what it looks and feels like when their asthma is well controlled,” says allergist Cherie Zachary, MD, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “If you’re among the more than 25 million Americans living with asthma, you may not know that one of the best specialists to see is an allergist.”
“Many people don’t know allergists are specially trained asthma experts,” says Dr. Zachary. “We complete additional fellowship training focused specifically on asthma and allergic disease, which means we’re uniquely equipped to identify triggers, develop personalized treatment plans, and help patients achieve real control over their symptoms.”
The Allergy-Asthma Connection
One of the most overlooked aspects of asthma management is the role that allergies play in triggering flares. Allergens like pollen, pet dander, mold, dust mites, and cockroach particles are among the most common culprits behind worsening asthma symptoms. In fact, allergic asthma is the most common form of the disease.
Among the first things an allergist will explore is whether uncontrolled allergies are making a patient’s asthma worse. Treating the underlying allergy — through avoidance strategies, medication, or immunotherapy — can make a dramatic difference in how often someone experiences asthma symptoms.
Tips for Keeping Asthma Under Control
Allergists recommend several key strategies for better asthma management:
- Get a personalized asthma action plan. A written asthma action plan, developed with your allergist, outlines what medications to take daily, how to recognize when symptoms are worsening, and what steps to take during a flare. This simple tool can prevent unnecessary emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
- Know your triggers. Allergy testing can help identify the specific environmental triggers worsening your asthma. Once identified, targeted steps can be taken to reduce exposure.
- Don’t settle for “good enough.” Many asthma patients assume that frequent symptoms, nighttime awakenings, or reliance on a rescue inhaler are simply part of life. They don’t have to be. Well-controlled asthma means few to no daily symptoms.
- Take your medications as prescribed. Controller medications work best when taken consistently, even when you’re feeling well. Skipping doses can leave airways inflamed and vulnerable to triggers. Biologic medication might be a treatment option for more severe asthma.
- Stay current on your care. Asthma can change over time. Regular check-ins with your allergist help ensure your treatment plan keeps pace with your needs.
See an Allergist This May
Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month comes at a particularly challenging time of year, when spring pollen counts surge and outdoor allergen exposure peaks. It’s an ideal moment for patients to reassess their current treatment and connect with a specialist.
“If your asthma isn’t well controlled, or if you’ve never seen an allergist, May is a great time to make an appointment,” says Dr. Zachary. “There’s a lot we can do together to help you breathe easier and live more fully.”
To find a board-certified allergist near you.
