Asthma

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition in which your airways swell and narrow, making it difficult to get a full breath of air. Asthma might simply be a nuisance or cause severe asthma attacks in other instances. Seeking treatment for asthma reduces your risk of experiencing a life-threatening emergency.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

If you have asthma, you might notice the following signs and symptoms:

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

Asthma symptoms can range from mild to severe. You might experience them only in certain situations, such as during exercise, when you have seasonal allergies, or when exposed to dust or chemical fumes. Treatment with Farr Medical Group, Inc. can offer you relief.

What are the risk factors for asthma?

Anyone can develop asthma, but some factors increase your risk of experiencing the condition. Examples include genetics, family history of asthma, smoking, secondhand smoke exposure, being overweight, and exposure to exhaust or other types of pollution.

How does my provider diagnose asthma?

To diagnose asthma and develop an effective treatment, your Farr Medical Group, Inc. specialist reviews your symptoms and medical history. They complete a physical examination and listen to your breathing. 

Your provider also completes specialized tests that measure lung function before and after using a bronchodilator, which is a medication that opens your airways. They may suggest you undergo allergy testing.

What are my asthma treatment options?

Your personalized asthma treatment plan depends on the severity of your asthma symptoms. Your Farr Medical Group, Inc. specialist might recommend the following:

Lifestyle changes

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is one of the best ways to reduce the severity of asthma symptoms. Get regular exercise, maintain a healthy weight, don’t smoke, reduce exposure to airborne irritants, and control heartburn if you have it.

Inhalers

If you have asthma, use an inhaler at the first sign of breathing difficulty to avoid serious or life-threatening emergencies. You might need an inhaler only during certain times of the year or while exercising. 

Allergy treatments

Treating allergies, if you have them, is an excellent way to reduce the severity of asthma symptoms. Your Farr Medical Group, Inc. specialist may suggest you take allergy medications, avoid allergic reaction triggers, or receive allergy shots to reduce your risk of asthma attacks.

Don’t let untreated asthma put you at risk of experiencing a life-threatening emergency. If you suspect you have asthma, schedule an appointment with Farr Medical Group, Inc. by phone or online today.