Asthma

What is asthma?

Asthma causes your airways to swell and produce extra mucus. There’s no cure, but avoiding triggers and taking prescription medication can reduce uncomfortable symptoms and improve your quality of life.

If you or your child have breathing problems affecting your mobility or daily routine, seek treatment immediately.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Asthma symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pain
• Coughing or wheezing
• Trouble sleeping

As the condition gets worse, your symptoms can appear more frequently and become more intense.

When should I see a doctor about asthma?

Make an appointment at AZZ Medical Associates if you experience wheezing or coughing attacks that last more than a few days. That’s particularly true if your symptoms keep you up at night or keep you from work, school, or other parts of your routine. The earlier you receive treatment, the easier it is to keep asthma from worsening.

Who is at risk of asthma?

Anyone can have asthma, but several things increase your risk, including:

• Smoking
• Being overweight
• Having relatives with asthma
• Exposure to secondhand smoke
• Exposure to fumes or pollution

Specific health problems, like atopic dermatitis, increase the risk of asthma.

How is asthma diagnosed?

Your AZZ Medical Associates provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a physical exam. They order several respiratory tests, including:

Spirometry

Spirometry measures the narrowing of your bronchial tubes by assessing how much air you exhale after a deep breath and how quickly you breathe out.

Peak flow

Peak flow uses a special device to measure how forcefully you exhale. A lower-than-average peak flow reading means your lungs don’t work as well as they should.

How is asthma treated?

Treating asthma involves making healthy lifestyle changes, avoiding things that trigger an attack, and taking prescription medication. The goal is to improve your respiratory health and stop asthma attacks before they happen.

Which asthma medicine will most benefit you will depend on your age, triggers, and how severe your symptoms are. The AZZ Medical Associates team can prescribe:

• Inhaled corticosteroids
• Leukotriene modifiers
• Combination inhalers
• Theophylline
• Quick-relief medication
• Short-acting beta antagonists
• Oral or intravenous corticosteroids

If you have asthma, visit your primary care provider at least once a year to monitor your symptoms and ensure it isn’t getting worse.

Call the nearest AZZ Medical Associates office today to receive asthma treatment, or book your appointment online.