Asthma Treatment Questions and Answers

Asthma is a chronic condition in which your airways get narrow and produce extra mucus in response to allergens, exercise, or other triggers. It can make breathing difficult and is dangerous in severe cases. Asthma testing and treatment is a simple, painless process that can improve your quality of life – or even save your life.

Common signs and symptoms associated with asthma depend on the severity of your condition. They might include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Chest pain
• Chest tightness

Triggers of asthma symptoms might include physical activity, cold or dry air, gases, fumes, other workplace irritants – or allergens like mold, pollen, dust, and pet dander.

While anybody can develop asthma, some factors increase your risk of getting it. Examples include a family history of asthma, having allergies, being overweight, smoking or second-hand smoke exposure, and breathing in polluted air or occupational irritants.

To diagnose asthma and develop a treatment plan, your primary care specialist reviews your symptoms and medical history and completes a physical examination. They listen to your breathing and have you undergo lung function tests to assess your ability to get a full breath of air.

Spirometry is a test that determines how fast you can breathe out and how much air you can exhale after a deep breath. Peak flow tests measure how hard you can breathe out. You might complete lung function tests before and after taking medications that open your airways.

Your family physician may recommend you undergo allergy testing, imaging procedures, or other diagnostic tests.

Using an inhaler is a standard asthma treatment. You might breathe it in during physical activity or when allergies are severe. Your doctor may recommend you take allergy medications or receive allergy shots. They work with you to personalize treatment and follow up to make sure it’s working effectively.

Don’t live with shortness of breath when easy breathing is within reach at Sunset Hills Family Practice. Book an asthma testing appointment over the phone or schedule online today. We serve patients from Henderson NV, Midway NV, Gibson Springs NV, Paradise Hills NV, and Winchester NV.