Asthma

At the Allergy and Asthma Centers, we recognize that no two people are alike, so we tailor our discussions, treatment and ongoing assessments based on a personal relationship with you. Below are some commonly asked questions about asthma that may help if you have not seen a doctor for allergies or asthma before. To further discuss your own symptoms and so that we can answer any of your personal questions, please call us today!

What is asthma?

Asthma is a lung disease that affects your airways (which are breathing tubes inside your lungs). When you have asthma, the airways swell and the muscles around the airways tighten. This narrows the airways and causes wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and general shortness of breath.

What causes asthma?

Asthma does not have to keep you from doing the things you like to do. Our doctors will help determine your triggers, such as pollen, dust, smoke, pets, mold, exercise and even heartburn. If these triggers sound more like allergies to you, it may be because many people suffer from allergy-induced asthma. Once you identify your triggers, a treatment plan can be put in place.

How is asthma treated?

When a person has asthma, they have it even when they feel fine, so ongoing treatment is usually necessary. However, there are two types of asthma drugs:

Long Term Controllers: These are pills or inhalers that you would use every day whether you feel the symptoms of asthma or not.

Quick Relief Medications: Most of these are inhalers or nebulizers and are used only when an asthma attack suddenly comes on.