If you have asthma, standard care from a primary physician may not always be enough to prevent and manage symptoms. In many cases, those who have persistent or severe breathing difficulties can benefit from going to a pulmonology specialist—a doctor that focuses on respiratory medicine. Here are some ways these providers can help ease your condition.

What Are the Benefits of Seeing a Pulmonologist?

1. Alternative Treatment Options

Pulmonologists have advanced experience and resources that can deliver an in-depth view of your respiratory health. For example, these providers will know whether a daily maintenance drug, rescue inhaler, nebulizer, or a combination of treatments is best for preventing and managing your symptoms.

They also know how to evaluate your lifestyle and daily habits to determine if any unknown triggers are contributing to your ill-health. By identifying the harmful item or activity, you can then make a point of avoiding it to prevent breathing problems.

2. Minimize Infection Risk

Characterized by inflamed airways and increased mucus production, asthma flare-ups can put individuals at a higher risk of developing pneumonia—an infection of the lungs. If your asthma has been acting up, pulmonologists can determine if you are showing early warning signs of this second condition. Utilizing advanced treatments, these specialists will be able to prevent or control the infection to prevent it from becoming worse.

3. Manage Co-Occurring Respiratory Conditions

As doctors that specialize in respiratory medicine, pulmonology specialists can also treat a variety of other conditions that can contribute to asthma symptoms—including COPD and allergies. By detecting these issues, these providers can develop a treatment plan that manages all conditions in a way that keeps your breathing under control and prevents future complications.

When you require advanced asthma care, Santiam Hospital offers a pulmonology center that can address a wide range of respiratory conditions. Staffed by experienced pulmonologists, this department can accurately diagnose many forms of asthma, refine treatment plans, and provide preventive care to control co-occurring conditions.  To learn more about the comprehensive medical services this provider offers in the Mid-Willamette Valley region, visit their website. For appointments, call (503) 749-4734 to speak with a caring associate at their Stayton, OR, location.