What Happens When You Are Referred to a Lung Specialist
October 15, 2026
Before you read — 10 seconds: Does being referred mean your treatment has failed?
a) Yes b) No
Being referred can feel like a setback — as though treatment has failed. It is closer to the opposite. Referral means someone wants to find out precisely what is driving your asthma rather than continuing to add medication and hope.
Here is what the process actually looks like.
The six steps
First, confirming it is asthma. Breathing tests, and a check for conditions that mimic asthma. This is not doubting your diagnosis; it is making sure the treatment matches the problem.
Second, finding your type. Blood tests, a breath test, and sometimes allergy testing. As covered two weeks ago, asthma is not one condition — and the results decide which treatments are likely to help.
Third, looking at everything else. Reflux, allergies, sinus problems, sleep apnea and weight all affect asthma. Sometimes treating one of these improves breathing more than any asthma medication.
Fourth, considering newer treatments. There are now seven newer medications for severe asthma. They work differently from inhalers and target the specific process driving your inflammation. Your test results determine which one fits.
Fifth, reducing steroids where possible. If you take regular prednisone, a carefully planned reduction is a central goal — always structured, never sudden.
Sixth, reviewing at four to six months. Your specialist will look at flare-ups, symptom scores, breathing tests and steroid use. If the first treatment has not worked well enough, there is a clear path to trying another.
The question most people ask: Will a specialist stop your regular inhaler when starting a newer treatment?
a) Yes b) No
Answer: No. Your controller inhaler continues alongside any new treatment.
1 in 10 people need to switch to a different newer treatment. It is a normal part of the process, not a dead end.
One more: If the first newer treatment does not work well enough, what happens?
a) Nothing more can be done b) There is a clear path to switching
Answer: There is a clear path to switching. About one in ten people need one, and it is a normal part of the process.
What to bring
A list of your current medications, roughly how many prednisone courses you have had this year, and any past blood tests — especially from before you started steroids.
Ready to be seen?
If your asthma has been hard to control, or you are relying on prednisone more often than you would like, our team can work through all six steps with you. Bring what you have and we will fill in the rest.
Call (847) 860-7250.
Never change or stop a medication on your own. Talk to your care team first.
The answer
No. It means someone wants to identify exactly what is driving your asthma rather than keep adding medication and hope.
This article is for education only and isn't a substitute for medical care. Questions about your situation? Call the office — we're happy to help.