Dr. Eric Caplan: Dreaming Big with Asthma in Colorado Springs

In an exclusive interview, Dr. Eric Caplan of Colorado Springs Allergy and Asthma Clinic shares his personal journey with asthma and his mission to help patients live without limits. As a board-certified allergist in Colorado Springs, Dr. Caplan combines professional expertise with personal experience to transform lives.

Meet Dr. Eric Caplan: A Personal Journey with Asthma

Dr. Caplan’s connection to allergy and asthma care began in childhood. “I’ve had allergies and asthma since I was two years old,” he explains. “My mother, an emergency room physician, took me to see Dr. Jerry Buckley, an allergist who truly changed my life.”

This early experience shaped his career path. Dr. Caplan trained at the University of Virginia, completed his residency at the University of Indiana, and finished his Allergy and Immunology Fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia. Now with over seven years in private practice, he brings both professional training and personal understanding to his work.

Colorado Springs Allergy and Asthma Clinic: Specialized Care

The practice, consisting of Dr. Caplan and a partner with nearly 30 years of experience, serves approximately 10,000 patients. While they treat both adults and children, they have particular expertise in pediatric care.

“We specialize in asthma and allergy, and we see a lot of children because we were both trained in pediatrics,” says Dr. Caplan. “We have a special place in our hearts for kids.”

The Most Rewarding Aspect: Transforming Lives

When asked what he loves most about his job, Dr. Caplan’s answer reflects his personal mission: “I love to change my patients’ lives, like my allergist changed mine when I was a child.”

He finds particular satisfaction in helping children with asthma regain their freedom. “Having parents come back and say they have a brand new kid who can play with other children on the playground rather than being at the doctor all the time is extremely rewarding. I feel like I’m helping to give people their lives back!”

Dr. Caplan’s Advice for Asthma Patients

Dr. Caplan encourages patients to pursue their dreams despite asthma. “For my asthma patients, it would be to do the things they want to do, to try the things they want to try,” he advises.

He points to inspiring examples: “Fifteen to twenty percent of Olympic athletes, especially in winter sports, have asthma. There are also many football players with asthma in the NFL. So dream big. It’s up to us to work together to not let asthma stand in the way.”

He notes only two exceptions: “The two exceptions to this would be scuba diving and military service, which can be tricky with asthma.”

Practical Allergy Management Recommendations

For allergy sufferers, Dr. Caplan emphasizes proper diagnosis: “Find out what you’re allergic to so that environmental control can be implemented effectively. You have to know what you’re allergic to before you can avoid it. Have a skin test and/or a blood test.”

Favorite Allergy Relief Products

Dr. Caplan recommends two key products for allergy management:

• HEPA Air Purifiers: “Getting pets out of the bedroom and placing a HEPA air purifier in there makes a significant difference in most patients’ allergies.”
• Nasal Saline Irrigation: A frequently recommended practice for sinus relief and nasal allergy symptoms.

He notes that Colorado’s low humidity means fewer dust mite issues compared to other regions, making air purification particularly effective for local allergens.

The Future of Allergy Treatment

Dr. Caplan is optimistic about advancements in allergy care: “There are certainly some exciting developments in the field of desensitization therapy, such as allergy shots.”

He highlights promising research: “Recombinant allergy shots show promise for providing a treatment regime consisting of a short series of shots that would keep patients symptom-free for as long as a couple of years. Hopefully this is the wave of the future.”

“Treating allergies naturally through desensitization gets to the root of the problem rather than just alleviating symptoms,” he adds.

Choosing the Right Allergy Specialist

Dr. Caplan emphasizes the importance of seeing a properly qualified specialist: “It’s important for people who are concerned about their allergies to make sure they see a board certified allergist.”

He explains the rigorous training involved: “Board certified allergists complete a fellowship program that’s two or three years long and publish research in the field of allergy, asthma, and immunology. They also take a national board exam. Overall, they receive a significant amount of specialized training.”

This distinction matters because, as he notes, “There isn’t so much regulation about who is allowed to treat allergies and many who aren’t board certified offer allergy treatment.”

Dreaming Big with Asthma: A Final Message

Dr. Eric Caplan’s philosophy centers on empowerment and possibility. From his Colorado Springs practice, he demonstrates that with proper management and expert care, asthma doesn’t have to limit aspirations.

His journey from asthmatic child to board-certified allergist proves that with the right support and treatment, patients can pursue their dreams while managing their condition effectively.