Asthma

What causes asthma?

Asthma happens when the airways become chronically inflamed, and the ongoing inflammation makes the tissues hypersensitive.

As a result, the airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus when you inhale particular substances. These three changes make it hard to breathe and cause an asthma attack.

What symptoms does asthma cause?

You’ll experience one or more of the following symptoms during an asthma flare-up:

• Chest pain or tightness
• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• Coughing

Many people with asthma develop symptoms shortly after starting athletic activities, a condition called exercise-induced asthma. One type of asthma causes a dry cough without the other symptoms.

What substances trigger asthma?

Allergens are one of the top causes of asthma in people with allergies. The most common triggers include:

• Pollen
• Dust
• Mold
• Animal dander
• Cold air
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Tobacco smoke
• Some medicines
• Respiratory infections
• Sinus infections

No matter what triggers asthma in you or your child, the frequency and severity of your flare-ups can vary. Some people have occasional asthma attacks, while others suffer several flare-ups daily. Flare-ups can be short-lived or severe enough to stop you from staying active.

How is asthma diagnosed and treated?

The Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates team diagnoses asthma with lung function tests like spirometry. Spirometry involves breathing into a tube. Then a machine measures the amount of air inhaled and how fast you breathe out.

After diagnosing asthma and evaluating the severity of your condition, your provider recommends one or more of the following treatments:

Identifying and avoiding triggers

Your provider works closely with you, helping you prevent asthma attacks by identifying your triggers and creating a plan to avoid them.

Getting allergy testing and treatment

If you or your provider suspect that allergies trigger your asthma, they do allergy testing and could recommend allergy shots. Allergy shots reduce your body’s response to allergens, decreasing asthma flare-ups.

Taking medication

If you have asthma, you must carry a rescue inhaler. Rescue inhalers contain medicine that opens your airways when an asthma attack begins. Your provider can also prescribe daily medication that reduces the severity and frequency of flare-ups.

The Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates team can prescribe biologic medication for children and adults with severe asthma. Biologics can reduce inflammation that doesn’t improve with other treatments.

Call Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates today or book an appointment online to get expert care for your asthma.