Asthma Treatment

What is asthma?

Asthma is a common chronic lung condition that causes inflammation and excess mucus production. It reduces the space available for air to move through your lungs, making it difficult to breathe and causing symptoms that include:

• Wheezing 
• Coughing 
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness in your chest

Asthma symptoms range in severity but tend to be worse at night or first thing in the morning. They can come and go throughout the day. Upper respiratory infections, allergies, cold air, or exercise could trigger your symptoms. 

You might also experience asthma attacks from time to time. During an asthma attack, you have severe symptoms and might struggle to breathe. Asthma attacks can come on gradually or suddenly, and they usually require a change in your usual treatment.

What causes asthma?

Medical researchers haven’t identified the exact cause of asthma. However, there are several known risk factors. For example, if you have a family history of asthma, you’re more likely to develop the condition. 

There’s also a link to an immune system malfunction. If you have allergies, you also have an elevated risk of asthma. 

How is asthma diagnosed?

The team at Spring Valley Internal Medicine provides thorough testing to diagnose asthma. Your provider begins by reviewing your symptoms and medical history. They also listen to your lungs for the telltale asthma wheeze. 

The team also offers pulmonary function tests, including spirometry, bronchoprovocation tests, and peak expiratory flow tests. These evaluations measure how much air moves in and out of your lungs when you breathe. 

The tests also identify if certain allergens provoke your symptoms or if bronchodilators improve your respiration. 

How do you treat asthma?

There isn’t a cure for asthma, but the team at Spring Valley Internal Medicine offers personalized treatment to reduce and relieve your symptoms. 

You might benefit from inhaled medication to open your airways. Depending on your needs, your provider might prescribe medication for you to use daily or on an as-needed basis, or both. 

Your provider can also help you identify allergens or situations that trigger your asthma symptoms. Then you can create a strategy to avoid those triggers. Your provider might also recommend daily moderate exercise to keep your lungs strong.

If you’re concerned about asthma, call Spring Valley Internal Medicine or schedule a consultation online today.