If you’re experiencing breathing difficulties, you might wonder whether to see an allergist or a pulmonologist. While both specialists handle conditions that impact breathing, their expertise and areas of focus differ significantly. Here’s what you need to know to choose the right specialist for your needs.
What Does an Allergist Do?
An allergist is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing and managing asthma, allergies, and immune deficiencies. Typically, allergists have completed a primary specialty in pediatrics, internal medicine, or both, followed by additional subspecialty training in allergy and immunology.
Conditions an Allergist Treats:
- Environmental allergies
- Allergic asthma
- Chronic or recurrent sinus issues
- Hives and other skin reactions
- Food and drug allergies
- Insect sting allergies
- Recurrent infections
At Asthma & Allergy Associates, all our allergists are board-certified, ensuring top-quality care for these conditions. Diagnosing an allergy often involves thorough patient interviews, physical exams, and detailed exposure histories, as well as tests such as allergen skin tests and lung function assessments. Once diagnosed, an allergist will create a treatment plan tailored to minimizing allergic responses and managing symptoms effectively.
Many asthma patients, for example, are referred to allergists by pulmonologists, as allergies are often an underlying trigger for asthma.
What Does a Pulmonologist Do?
A pulmonologist, or pulmonary specialist, focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions related to the lungs and respiratory system. This includes not just the lungs but also related structures like the bronchial tubes and the upper respiratory tract.
Conditions a Pulmonologist Treats:
- Asthma
- Pneumonia
- Emphysema
- Lung cancer
- Complicated chest infections
Pulmonologists often work with patients in hospitals and intensive care units, especially those with severe or complex respiratory conditions. They may also treat sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. Like allergists, pulmonologists complete medical school and a residency in pediatrics or internal medicine before undergoing further specialized training in pulmonology and critical care.
To diagnose patients, pulmonologists may use advanced tools and techniques, such as flexible fiberoptic scopes for examining and biopsying the airways under sedation.
Definition: Biopsy
Choosing the Right Specialist
For conditions primarily involving allergies or immune system responses, seeing an allergist is the best option. If your breathing issues stem from broader respiratory conditions or complex lung diseases, a pulmonologist may be the appropriate specialist.
Contact Asthma & Allergy Associates
If you suspect you have an allergy or would like to consult with a specialist, our board-certified allergists at Asthma & Allergy Associates are here to help.