Asthma is a chronic health condition characterized by narrowed airways. It’s a disease that makes it hard to breathe properly, which can create many different symptoms.
Many people with asthma develop the disease during childhood. Some have only mild symptoms, but for others, asthma is a debilitating disease that affects them each and every day.
Researchers are uncertain of the exact causes of asthma, but there is a clear link between asthma and allergies. When your immune system mistakenly identifies a substance as potentially harmful, it can launch a strong immune response, creating inflammation and excess mucus that makes it hard to move air in and out of the lungs.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is another chronic inflammatory disease defined by obstructed airflow. It shares many of the symptoms of asthma and is also manageable with proper treatment.
Everyone with asthma has a unique experience of the disease, and symptoms can wax and wane over time. Some of the most common symptoms of asthma include:
Many people with asthma notice their symptoms worsening when they have a cold or when they exercise, laugh, or cry. Even going out into cold weather can trigger an asthma flare-up.
If you notice these symptoms in yourself or your child, it’s important to come in for a diagnostic work-up. Treatments can control symptoms and improve breathing function. Left untreated, asthma can worsen and become life-threatening.
Just as no two individuals share the exact same experience of asthma, your treatment plan will also be unique. Dr. Raja begins by assessing your symptoms and overall health before crafting a customized treatment plan.
Medications might play a role in controlling your asthma. Most of these medications work to reduce swelling in your airways, and there are short-term and long-term formulations. Some asthma drugs focus on altering the way your body responds to potential allergens.
One of the most powerful parts of asthma treatment involves learning how to identify substances and situations that trigger asthma symptoms. This enables you to take steps to reduce exposure to those triggers, which can go a long way toward reducing asthma attacks.
If you’d like to learn more about asthma and the latest treatment options, call the office to set up a visit. Online booking is also available and allows you to book from the comfort of home, any time of day or night.