Asthma

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects your airways, causing them to narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus. More than six million kids in the US live with asthma, which is 1 in 12 children under the age of 18. 

Asthma can range in severity from a minor problem that only crops up infrequently to a debilitating condition that hampers your quality of life.

Asthma can often flare up under certain circumstances, such as when an irritant is in the air or your encounter a seasonal allergen, which spurs an asthma attack. During an asthma attack, your airways narrow considerably, making it more difficult for you to breathe.

How is asthma different from COPD?

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) are respiratory challenges that restrict airflow. While they share many similarities, COPD is more likely to affect older adults. Smoking cigarettes is the greatest risk factor for COPD, while asthma can affect all ages, regardless of your medical history. 

COPD is also more likely to produce phlegm rather than nighttime chest tightness, like asthma.

What are the signs of asthma?

Asthma affects people differently, but the hallmarks of the condition include the following:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Coughing up excess mucus
• Tightness in your chest

These symptoms can come and go, flaring up during an asthma attack and then fading away. For some, however, these symptoms may be ever-present, hampering their ability to breathe.

While the exact cause remains unknown, finding out what triggers your asthma is key, which is where the asthma care at Clinic Time comes in.

How is asthma treated?

When it comes to asthma, the first order of business is to figure out what triggers your asthma. Dr. Faltas analyzes your medical history and the conditions under which your asthma tends to flare.

For example, some people experience exercise-induced asthma, especially in colder temperatures. Others experience frequent asthma attacks during the seasons when the air is full of pollen and other irritants, which is called allergy-induced asthma.

Getting to the bottom of your asthma helps Dr. Faltas come up with the best treatment plan, which may include one or more of the following:

• Bronchodilators
• Oral medications
• Trigger avoidance plans

This last point is a critical one when it comes to helping you live better with asthma. Knowing what sets off or worsens the condition allows you to avoid these circumstances and improve your asthma.

For expert asthma care, call Clinic Time, or request an appointment online today.