Asthma Specialist

What is asthma?

Asthma is a disease that causes inflammation and constriction of your lung airways. Results of the airway constriction and inflammation are breathing problems, coughing, and other difficult asthma symptoms. Although there isn’t a cure for asthma, it's quite possible to manage it effectively with Fivestar Pulmonary Associates’ help.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Shortness of breath or wheezing are usually the main symptoms of asthma. You may also have other symptoms such as:

• Chest pain
• Coughing
• Feeling of chest constriction
• Feelings of anxiety or panic

Asthma symptoms occur only when you're having an asthma attack, although asthma sufferers may have less-clear breathing than non-asthma sufferers at all times.

What are asthma triggers?

Asthma triggers are the things that bring on attacks in asthma sufferers. Everyone has different triggers, but some of the most common include:

• Extreme weather changes
• Barometric pressure changes
• Smoke in the air
• Pet dander
• Dust mites
• Pollen
• Stress
• Exercise

Exposure to even a small amount of the trigger can mean a serious asthma attack. For this reason, identifying and avoiding your triggers wherever possible can be an important part of your asthma management plan.

How is asthma diagnosed?

Asthma diagnosis can include pulmonary function tests. The most common of these, spirometry, tests how much air you can blow out of your lungs. The Feno test measures nitric oxide level in your breath.

With the results of the pulmonary function tests, the team at Fivestar Pulmonary Associates can create an effective treatment plan for you. 

What is the treatment for asthma?

The team customizes asthma treatment for each patient. Your treatment may include:

• Rescue inhalers for use on an as-needed basis
• Preventive daily inhaler medications
• Oral medications, including steroids
• Bronchial thermoplasty, a procedure that can reduce asthma attacks for five years

The team can also work with you to help you identify your asthma triggers and may be able to give you specific suggestions to help you avoid those things. If you have other health issues that could worsen your asthma, for example, if you're significantly overweight or obese, the team may suggest specific changes or treatments that can help.

Frustrated about your asthma? Don't let those symptoms drag you down any longer. Use online booking now, or call Fivestar Pulmonary Associates for help today.