Improved pharmacologic therapy
Inhaled steroids have been associated with significant reductions in risk for fatal and near-fatal exacerbation of asthma.¹

Allergy/Immunology physicians prescribe inhaled steroids more frequently than primary care physicians, and patients seen and managed by Allergy/Immunology physicians are more likely to be taking inhaled steroids regularly. ^2-6

Oral steroid use for attacks reduces the risk of fatal asthma.^7-9 Patients managed by A/I physicians are more likely to appropriately receive oral steroids. ^{6, 10, 11}

Immunomodulator therapy
Allergens may trigger severe and fatal asthma episodes. ¹²

Allergy/Immunology physicians have expertise in performance and interpretation of skin testing for immediate hypersensitivity, education to encourage aeroallergen avoidance, and provision of inhalant allergen immunotherapy in properly selected patients. ¹³

Allergen immunotherapy provides significant clinical benefit ^{14, 15} including for alternaria¹⁶, which has been associated with life-threatening asthma.¹²

Objective monitoring of "poor perceivers"
A major factor contributing to risk for fatal asthma outcomes is under-recognition of asthma; some asthmatic patients are "poor perceivers".¹⁷

Allergy/Immunology physicians perform objective measurements of lung function more frequently than other physicians.^18-20

Action plans
Action plans may reduce asthma mortality. ⁷ Asthma specialists are more likely to provide action plans to their patients. ²¹

* EPR3: Referral to an asthma specialist is recommended if the patient...has an exacerbation requiring hospiltalization.²²

Indirect outcome (inhaled and oral steroids)

Indirect outcome (avoidance, immunotherapy)

Diagnostic

Indirect outcome (action plans)