I have a history of mild asthma, which flared into severe asthma in the last few weeks as a result of a chest cold. I wound up in the E.R. with severe shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing. My family doc prescribed Advair 500/50, a nebulizer with Duoneb and albuterol, and a rescue inhaler. I also have been to see an allergist (concerns with allergies to our dogs) and have since found out that I am only mildly allergic to dogs, but very allergic to mold and dust mites. The allergist prescribed Prevacid and Veramyst. My symptoms have died down, but I am still showing mild asthma symptoms (some chest congestion, some tightness).

I have had an appointment with a pulmonologist scheduled for this Monday for several weeks now; since the asthma symptoms went out of control. My question is, should I keep this appointment, or have my family doc and the allergist gotten the situation in hand enough that I no longer have to see this specialist? Any opionions are appreciated.

YES! If you have asthma, you should be under the care of a pulmonologist. Period. End of story. Do not leave it to your PCP. Seriously....this is something you need to do. Get a full evaluation and a WRITTEN plan. You'll be glad you did.

I totally agree with Titchou. If you have asthma symptoms you should be working with a pulmonologist to help keep it under control. The fact that you were on Advair, a nebulizer, and have a rescue inhaler indicates that it was pretty serious - I think you'll be glad you saw the pulmonologist (and you may only need to see him/her once or twice a year when things are under control).

Okay, thanks you guys. I'm keeping the appointment. I was just afraid that since I was feeling better the pulmnologist would look at me and say, "Why are you here? You seem okay to me." My PCP told me I didn't need to see a pulmonologist, that he could handle everything, but I really would feel better if my asthma was being treated by a specialist.