Asthma

What is asthma?

Asthma is a lung condition that causes your airways to swell, narrow, and possibly produce excess mucus. You may struggle to breathe, cough, and wheeze with a whistling sound when you exhale, and you may generally struggle with shortness of breath.

Some people are only occasionally bothered by their asthma, while others find it interfering with their day-to-day routines. In more severe cases, asthma attacks can threaten your life.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

While symptoms vary from one person to another, common signs of asthma include:

• Chest tightness or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Insomnia or sleep disruptions due to coughing, wheezing, or trouble catching your breath
• Wheezing when exhaling
• Coughing attacks that worsen with respiratory viruses like the cold or flu

Get in touch with Chivic Healthcare Services promptly if you notice concerning signs like your asthma worsening or bothering you more frequently. Keep track of how often you use your quick-relief inhaler, and let your provider know if your need for it significantly increases.

If you have exercise-induced asthma, keep in mind that cold or dry air can exacerbate the condition. Occupational asthma is caused by irritants like dust, gasses, or chemical fumes where you work. Allergy-induced asthma is linked to other irritants like pollen, dust, pet dander, or mold spores.

How is asthma treated?

While asthma can’t be cured, your provider at Chivic Healthcare Services can help you control the symptoms so you can live the life you want.

Asthma treatments fall under four distinct categories:

Quick-relief medicines

These include familiar solutions like inhaler devices and are intended to be taken at the first sign of symptoms.

Controller medicines

These enable you to address the underlying issues of asthma, like excess mucus and airway swelling.

Combination treatments

The medicines combine quick-relief and controller medicines so you get short-term relief and better control.

Biologics

These are injections or infusions that target a particular protein or cell to prevent airway swelling. They are used to treat cases of persistent asthma.

Asthma symptoms may shift over time, so keep your provider informed of any changes you notice so they can personalize your care and adjust medications or your treatment plan as needed.

Asthma symptoms can be distressing, but the skilled providers at Chivic Healthcare Services have a wide range of solutions. To schedule your asthma consultation or follow-up appointment, call the office or book online today.