Asthma

Our Approach

Our providers may consider your medical history, perform a physical exam and run diagnostic tests that measure how much you can exhale to determine if you have asthma. Additional diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or CT scans of your lungs or sinuses, may be used to identify structural abnormalities or infections that can contribute to breathing problems.

Allergy testing may help identify allergies to pets, dust, mold or pollen. Sometimes doctors may recommend exercise tests to measure your airway obstruction before and after you perform vigorous physical activity or take several breaths of cold air.

Medications to prevent and control symptoms and reduce airway inflammation, such as inhalers or oral medicine, are available. Your doctor will work with you to adjust the treatment as needed because asthma can change over time. These long-term medications keep asthma under control on a day-to-day basis, and make it less likely you'll have an asthma attack.

There are also quick-relief medications that can be taken to relieve symptoms when they develop. Being aware of and reducing your exposure to the things that trigger your asthma symptoms may help control flare-ups.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs that causes airway swelling, shortness of breath and extra mucus, which makes breathing difficult. Coughing and wheezing are typical of an asthma "attack." The severity can range from being bothersome to interfering with daily activities. Severe asthma attacks can be life-threatening.

What triggers an asthma attack?

Asthma can be triggered by activity or extreme weather, such as very cold or very humid conditions.

Asthma may flare up in some people when they react to strong odors from cleaning products, perfumes or air pollution. It's even possible for strong emotions, such as crying or laughing hard, to trigger asthma symptoms.

Who is at risk for developing asthma?

People with a family history of asthma have a higher risk for developing the disease; however, anyone can develop asthma at any time. Asthma may be "triggered" by exercise, infections, colds, flu, sinus infections, weather changes (very cold, dry air), medications, smoke and allergens (dust mites, pollen, pets, mold spores, cockroaches and sometimes foods).

People who are overweight, smoke (or are exposed to secondhand smoke), or have eczema or hay fever may also be at higher risk for developing asthma. Although it can't be cured, asthma's symptoms can be controlled.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Asthma signs and symptoms include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing, especially in children
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain, chest tightness
• Trouble sleeping due to breathing difficulties