What causes asthma?
Asthma begins when you inhale an irritant or allergen that causes airway inflammation. The inflammation then leads to swelling and increased mucus production, conditions that narrow the airways. As a result, you have a hard time breathing, and you develop the symptoms of asthma.
What symptoms develop if I have asthma?
Patients with asthma experience symptom flare-ups followed by a period of time when they feel healthy. You may have asthma attacks every day or very rarely. Your symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they may get worse over time.
When you have an asthma attack, you have one or more of these symptoms:
- Chest tightness or pain
- Shortness of breath
- Dry cough
- Wheezing
Some patients find that their symptoms get worse at night. It’s also important to know that there’s a type of asthma, cough-variant asthma, in which the only symptom is a chronic cough.
What triggers asthma flare-ups?
If you have allergies, your asthma is most likely triggered by your allergens. Allergens such as pollen, dogs, cats, dust mites, molds, and foods often cause flare-ups.
Other than allergens, these are a few of the most common asthma triggers:
- Stress
- Cold air
- Acid reflux
- Tobacco smoke
- Strong odors
- Viral infections (cold or flu)
Exercise triggers asthma flare-ups in about 90% of all asthma patients. If you have exercise-induced flare-ups, Dr. Green can help you stay active with a plan to take medication before your activity begins.
How do you treat asthma?
After an examination and diagnostic testing such as pulmonary function tests, Dr. Green develops a customized treatment plan to relieve your asthma symptoms and improve your health.
Asthma treatment includes:
Environmental control
Dr. Green helps you identify your triggers, then works with you to develop a plan to avoid them by controlling your environment.
Quick-relief medication
Rescue inhalers provide quick relief when you have an asthma attack. Inhalers contain medication and a nebulizer that turns the medication into a mist. As you inhale the mist, it quickly reaches your lungs and opens your airways.
Long-term medications
Dr. Green may prescribe one of several medications that you take every day to reduce inflammation and lower the frequency of asthma attacks. As an asthma specialist, Dr. Green stays up to date with the most advanced medications, including biologics that can help patients whose asthma isn’t well controlled with other daily medications.
You can count on comprehensive asthma care at Comprehensive Allergy and Asthma Associates. To schedule an appointment, call the office or use the online booking feature.
