What is a Specialist?

Specialists are physicians who have been trained to treat a specific area of the body such as the lungs, heart, brain, or teeth. For people with asthma, doctors like allergists, immunologists, and pulmonologists focus on what’s triggering the asthma symptoms. If allergies are the main trigger, for example, an allergist will identify what you’re allergic to and help you combat the allergy. He may suggest avoiding the allergen, using medications, or starting allergy shots.

But which specialist is right for you? What do all of these doctors with fancy names really do?

Allergist - An allergist is a medical doctor with extensive training in allergy and immunology problems, including asthma. If your symptoms are not responding to current treatment, your triggers seem to have an allergy component, or your asthma is worsening, it’s time to see an allergist.

Immunologist - An immunologist specializes in the diseases and disorders of the immune system. Since the two disciplines are closely interrelated, many doctors who specialize in allergy also specialize in immunology.

Pulmonologist - A pulmonologist focuses on diseases and congenital or structural disorders of the lungs and airways, including bronchopulmonary dysplasia (a chronic lung disease that develops in premature infants who have had extensive respiratory treatment), cystic fibrosis (a chronic lung infection), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (a disease that causes a decrease in lung function), recurrent pneumonia, and asthma.

Otolaryngologist (OTO)/Head and Neck Surgeon - Once known as an ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT), an OTO focuses on head and neck problems and surgery for the brain, eyes, nose, sinuses, teeth, neck, and spine. You may be referred to this doctor for evaluation, treatment, or surgery for problems associated with rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal passages), sinusitis, or hearing.

Gastroenterologist - A gastroenterologist specializes in diseases and disorders of the stomach and intestines. If your general practitioner suspects that gastroesophageal reflux or undiagnosed, persistent stomach pain is triggering your asthma, you should see a gastroenterologist.

Orthodontist - An orthodontist corrects abnormally aligned or positioned teeth. Visit an orthodontist if problems associated with allergies or nasal obstructions are affecting your facial development or jawbone structure.

Reprinted from Allergy & Asthma Health magazine, Summer 2001.

Find a physician near you! Check out AANMA’s Physician Locator, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology’s Allergist Locator, or the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology’s Physician Referral System.