New research finds that treatment from an allergist significantly improves asthma care
 Patients receiving care from an allergist, rather than a primary care provider, have fewer asthma control problems and less severe symptoms. These are the findings from a new study published in the December 2005 Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology (JACI), the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the AAAAI. (Click here to view a PDF of the study)
The JACI study surveyed a random sample of 3,568 patients with persistent asthma, comparing those seen by allergists vs. those seen by primary care providers. Researchers found that patients under the care of an allergist were less likely to have required hospitalization or have unscheduled physician visits during the past year, and were also less likely to have overused Beta-agonists, a rescue medication.
The study also found that patients seeing an allergist were more likely to receive inhaled steroids, the preferred medication for the prophylactic treatment of chronic, persistent asthma. Inhaled steroids are effective in reducing airway inflammation, hypersensitivity, swelling and mucous production.
Compared to asthma patients who received care from a primary care physician, those seeing an allergist reported:
- Fewer asthma control problem
- Less severe asthma symptoms
- Significantly higher scores for asthma-specific quality of life and for overall general health
- Significantly better understanding of how to manage their asthma and greater overall satisfactions with their care
 What is an allergist?
Allergists are pediatric or internal medicine physicians who have elected an additional two years of training to become specialized in the treatment of asthma, allergy and immunologic disease. As a result of their extensive study and training, an allergist/immunologist is the best-qualified medical professional to effectively manage the comprehensive needs of patients with allergic diseases. Unlike a cold, allergic disease is not a condition that someone can just "get over." The help of a trained allergist can reduce how often patients need to stay home from work or school due to symptoms. For more information, check out the AAAAI's Tips to Remember brochure, The Role of the Allergist.
Additional Resources
The AAAAI Web site features several resources that highlight the role of the allergist in the diagnosis and management of allergic disease. Click on the following links for additional information on the benefits seeing an allergist can have for patients suffering from asthma and other allergic diseases.
 How the Allergist/Immunologist Can Help:
 Consultation and Referral Guidelines Citing the Evidence
Developed by the AAAAI to assist patients and healthcare professionals in determining when referral to an allergist could be beneficial, the guidelines offer specific information for 14 categories of allergic disease.
AAAAI Patient Gallery
The gallery features a collection of resources available to patients, categorized under eight common allergy and asthma related topics. Each topic featured in the Patient Gallery highlights the major benefits to seeing an allergist.
Attaining Optimal Asthma Control: A Practice Parameter
Featured in the November 2005 JACI, these new recommendations on the treatment of asthma emphasize the need for asthma to be assessed each time a patient with asthma sees his or her physician or other health care professional.
A/I Practice Guidelines
A collection of resources to assist health care professionals in providing optimal patient care for people with allergies.
Find an Allergist/Immunologist
To find an allergist/immunologist in your area, visit the AAAAI's Physician Referral Guide.
<back>
|
