Asthma

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung condition characterized by narrow, inflamed, and sensitive airways. People with asthma often experience shortness of breath and wheezing when breathing out. These symptoms worsen when the airways are exposed to certain substances.

People have either allergic or nonallergic asthma, which is determined based on the irritant that triggers an attack.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

In addition to shortness of breath and wheezing, coughing and chest tightness are also common symptoms of asthma.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, speak with the team at Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates, LTD. After a physical exam and a lung function test, which measures lung size and air flow, they can diagnose your symptoms.

What triggers an asthma attack?

Asthma is a chronic condition that is often set off by certain triggers depending on whether you have allergic or nonallergic asthma.

Triggers for allergic asthma include:

• Pollen, grass, or weeds
• Food, including additives
• Dust, mold, and mites
• Pet dander

Triggers for nonallergic asthma include:

• Exercise
• Illness such as cold or flu
• Air pollutants or cigarette smoke
• Medication

The team helps you create a plan to avoid triggers and manage your asthma. 

How is asthma treated?

Asthma is a lifelong illness that has no cure. However, Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates, LTD, can help you manage your symptoms so it doesn’t interfere with your life. Your treatment plan might include:

• Self-care 
• Quick-relief inhalers
• Allergy shots
• Avoiding your asthma triggers

Medication is a primary treatment in the management of asthma. Long-term control medicines are prescriptions you’ll need to take daily. These types of medications, which are inhaled corticosteroids, decrease inflammation in the lungs to reduce symptoms. 

In addition, quick-acting asthma medicine can help improve breathing during an attack. These medications, which are inhaled short-acting beta2-agonists, relax the muscles in your lungs to improve airflow.

In addition, the team stays up-to-date with the latest biologics on the market for the treatment of asthma. 

The team also provides inhaler training for children to help them manage their symptoms. As caring specialists, the team works with you to determine the best method to manage your asthma. 

If you're looking for compassionate care from a team of knowledgeable physicians, call Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates, LTD, or schedule an appointment online today.

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