Asthma Specialist

What is asthma?

Asthma is a lung condition that occurs when your airways become inflamed. Then they tighten and narrow, swelling develops, and they also produce extra mucus. 

These changes make it hard to breathe. Once asthma develops, your airways become sensitive, and certain things you inhale trigger a flare-up.

What triggers an asthma attack?

These are a few of the most common triggers:

• Pollen
• Dust mites
• Animal dander
• Mold spores
• Cold air
• Stress
• Acid reflux
• Tobacco smoke
• Respiratory infections

If you have allergies, your allergens may trigger your asthma. Many patients also have an asthma flare-up when they start exercising. 

What symptoms does asthma cause?

Asthma symptoms vary in frequency and severity. Some people may have a mild reaction, while others have severe, life-threatening allergy attacks.

Though asthma typically causes four symptoms, you may not experience all of them:

• Chest tightness or pain
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Dry cough

You may find that your symptoms get worse at night, sometimes making it hard to get a good night’s sleep.

How is asthma treated?

Desert Cities Allergy & Otolaryngology reviews your symptoms and does pulmonary function testing. Spirometry, one of several lung tests, shows how much air you exhale and how fast you can blow it out of your lungs. Your provider may also do allergy testing.

Asthma treatment includes the following components:

Identifying and avoiding triggers

Your provider helps you identify triggers and gives you suggestions for eliminating or avoiding them.

Asthma action plan

When your child has asthma, it’s important to create a plan outlining what you, their teachers, and caregivers should do when they have an attack.

Medications

Medication is the foundation of asthma treatment. Your provider prescribes a rescue inhaler to quickly open your airways when you have a flare-up. They may also give you daily medications that reduce inflammation and help prevent future asthma attacks.

If you have severe symptoms that don’t improve with other medications, your provider may recommend a biologic medication. Prescriptions for these medicines are for a type of asthma called eosinophilic asthma and asthma that year-round allergens trigger.

Desert Cities Allergy & Otolaryngology also recommends allergy shots to prevent asthma attacks that allergens trigger.

Don’t wait to get medical care for asthma. Call Desert Cities Allergy & Otolaryngology or book an appointment online today.