Asthma is an extremely common condition these days – over 20 million people in the United States alone have diagnoses asthma. And it's likely that quite a few more have asthma that hasn't yet been diagnosed.

Because asthma is so common and even family doctors and pediatricians are used to treating large numbers of patients with asthma, it's easy to forget that expert consultation might make a huge difference in the degree of asthma control you achieve, not to mention the quality of your life, or that of your child.

I think all people with asthma would benefit from seeing an asthma specialist at some point. There can be different medical specialties that are considered experts in treating asthma, including allergists, immunologists and pulmonologists. Asthma specialists can help you pinpoint more exactly what is triggering your asthma symptoms through allergy testing. They will also be most knowledgeable about which treatment approach will work best.

When you work with doctors, remember that you have both a right AND a responsibility to be a completely equal partner in your care. You know your body best and you should be involved in all decision-making, rather than being a passive participant in your treatment plan. Make sure you read and learn about your disease so that you can make informed decisions, with your doctor's help.

Learn More:

• Types of Asthma Specialists
• Tips for Talking With Doctors
• How to Choose the Right Doctor for You
• Quiz: Is Your Doctor Right for You?