Our Services / Asthma

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition that causes your airways to swell and narrow. It often makes breathing difficult. For some people, asthma is just a minor nuisance, but asthma can cause life-threatening breathing difficulties for others. At the first sign of a problem, see the Allergy, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Immunology Associates team for an evaluation. 

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Common symptoms you may notice if you have asthma include:

• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain or tightness
• Trouble sleeping
• Gasping for air during exercise

These and other asthma symptoms often worsen with physical activity, respiratory viruses, cold or dry air, and chemical fumes or other workplace irritants. 

You might have asthma because of allergic reactions to pollen, mold spores, pet dander, insect stings, certain foods, dust mites, or other possible allergens.

What are the risk factors for asthma?

The cause of asthma isn’t entirely clear, but some factors increase your risk of having it. Examples include:

• Smoking
• Secondhand smoke exposure
• Exposure to pollution or exhaust fumes
• Having allergies
• Family history of asthma
• Exposure to occupational chemicals

There’s no way to prevent asthma if you're genetically prone to it, but not smoking or breathing in toxic fumes reduces your risk of developing asthma. Controlling your symptoms if you have allergies also helps you breathe easier. 

How does my provider diagnose asthma?

To diagnose and treat asthma, the experts at Allergy, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Immunology Associates discuss your medical history and symptoms with you. Dr. Friedman completes a physical exam, listens to your breathing, and offers specialized breathing tests to determine if you have asthma.

During the tests, you breathe into a device before and after using an inhaler. The tests measure the force and volume of air that you breathe out.

Dr. Friedman could recommend completing additional breathing tests, allergy testing, imaging procedures, or other diagnostic tests to develop a personalized treatment plan.

What are common asthma treatments?

Common treatments for asthma include using an inhaler during physical activity, taking allergy medications, receiving allergy shots, and making healthy lifestyle changes. Examples include using an air conditioner, keeping your home clean, using a dehumidifier, and reducing pet dander. Get regular exercise and maintain a healthy body weight.

Don’t live with unpleasant asthma symptoms when simple treatments are within reach at Allergy, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Immunology Associates. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.