Asthma

Asthma, an obstructive lung disease characterized by inflammation of the airways, affects millions of people worldwide, and it’s been on the rise in recent years. But what exactly is asthma? How can it be treated? Please keep reading to learn more about this chronic lung disease, its symptoms, and how to manage it best and treat it.

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes difficulty breathing. Asthma symptoms can vary from person to person but may include shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Asthma can be managed with medication and by avoiding triggers. However, if you think your child may have asthma, it is essential to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of asthma is shortness of breath. This can happen during physical activity or at rest. Other symptoms may include:

• Chest pain or tightness
• Difficulty sleeping due to coughing or wheezing
• Rapid breathing
• Whistling sound when exhaling (wheezing)
• If you experience any of these symptoms, you must see a doctor as soon as possible.

Diagnosis

If you have asthma, your airways are constantly inflamed. This makes them extra sensitive to things you’re allergic to or that irritate your lungs. When these things trigger an asthma attack, the muscles around your airways tighten. This narrowing causes less air to flow into your lungs. The lining of your airways also swells and produces more mucus. These reactions cause symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.

Your provider will diagnose asthma by asking about your symptoms and checking how often you have attacks. They may give you a peak-flow meter test to measure how fast air moves out of your lungs. These tests can help doctors figure out if asthma causes or makes sleep apnea, chronic sinusitis, or chronic bronchitis worse.

Management and Treatment

If you have asthma, you must work with your provider to create a management plan. This plan will help you control your symptoms and prevent attacks. There are two parts to treatment: medication and avoiding triggers. The goal is to reduce inflammation in the airways and keep the airway passages open.

Most people need daily medications called inhaled corticosteroids or bronchodilators. Some people also need a relieving inhaler (usually albuterol) for quick relief during an attack. Other treatments may include oral medications (such as antihistamines), mast cell stabilizers, and other drugs that can help make breathing easier. Nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers, and dry powder inhalers are all examples of devices that can be used to give inhaled therapies.

If you suspect something is triggering your asthma symptoms—like allergens like pollen or animal dander—you’ll want to avoid those things when possible. For example, if your asthma seems worse after eating certain foods, talk to your provider about changing your diet. You should also talk to your provider about any new medicines or supplements you’re taking since some can cause problems with your asthma if taken together.

How Can We Help?

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. The symptoms can be mild or severe and can happen suddenly or gradually. However, with propervdiagnosis and treatment, most people with asthma can manage their symptoms and live everyday, active lives.

At Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, we specialize in diagnosing and treating asthma. Our team of experts will work with you to develop a plan that fits your individual needs. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, our providers may prescribe medications such as albuterol inhalers, steroids, or leukotriene inhibitors. For those with more moderate cases of asthma, our doctors may recommend exercises such as stretching and deep breathing techniques to help prevent flare-ups.