Asthma

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition causing inflammation in the airways of your lungs that makes breathing difficult. It’s responsible for symptoms, including:

• Coughing 
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness

Asthma symptoms may come and go, or you may cough and wheeze constantly. You may also experience asthma attacks — episodes when severe asthma symptoms come on suddenly. 

Additionally, several factors can trigger or intensify your symptoms, including:

• Colds and other upper respiratory infections
• Allergies
• Exercise
• Cold weather
• Laughing or crying

You may also find that your symptoms are worse in the mornings or at night. 

What causes Asthma?

Medical researchers haven’t identified a specific cause of asthma. However, your risk of developing asthma is higher if you have a family history of the disease or if you have allergies. 

Additionally, if you live or work in an environment with poor air quality or airborne irritants, like secondhand smoke or chemicals, your chances of developing asthma increase. Obesity can also contribute to asthma.

How is Asthma diagnosed?

If you have asthma symptoms, make an appointment at Prime Pulmonary & Sleep Center. Your doctor talks to you about your symptoms, overall health, and lifestyle. They also listen to your lungs and use pulmonary function tests such as spirometry to measure how much air is moving in and out of your lungs when you breathe.

How is Asthma treated?

The team at Prime Pulmonary & Sleep Center provides personalized treatment plans to help you manage your asthma symptoms and lead an active and healthy life. They often combine medication with lifestyle modifications. 

For example, your provider can prescribe medication that reduces inflammation in your lungs that you inhale either on a daily or as-needed basis. They also help you identify your asthma triggers and develop strategies to help you avoid them. Additionally, adding moderate exercise to your daily routine can help strengthen your lungs.

Prime Pulmonary & Sleep Center also provides weight loss programs to help you lose weight and reduce the physical strain of obesity on your lung function and your other bodily systems. 

To discuss your Asthma symptoms with a compassionate physician, call Prime Pulmonary & Sleep Center or book an appointment online today.