Houston Asthma Treatment Options at The Allergy Clinic

There's an old saying in medicine that goes, "All that wheezes isn't asthma." It reminds students and physicians that patients can wheeze when they have congestive heart failure with pulmonary edema, foreign body obstruction (like a peanut M&M in the bronchus), or dozens of other possibilities. Conversely, not all asthma presents with wheezing. Symptoms of asthma can include cough, shortness of breath, tight chest, and, of course, wheezing.

Frequently asthma symptoms only occur during certain times of year or in certain situations, such as with exercise or during infections. The "attack" is not the norm; most often symptoms progress slowly over time. Asthma can start at any point in life, not just in childhood. More and more, we are seeing people in their 60's diagnosed with asthma for the first time. Many of our newly diagnosed asthma patients express fear. They believe they will have to stop participating in their favorite activities, or they will end up gasping for air and puffing on a "rescue inhaler." Parents often carry images of their kids sitting inside, not able to go to recess or participate in sports.

ALL OF THESE IMAGES ARE WRONG!

Asthma treatment has come a long way. In fact, during the 2004 Olympics, many of the athletes had asthma including several medal winners. The goal in asthma treatment is control. For students, control means a team effort involving the parents, the school nurse, and the coach. Medically, control often includes daily anti-inflammatory medications to prevent symptoms from occurring in the first place. When asked by a patient if they have to use the preventative medicine every day, I often reply, "No, just on the days that end in the letter 'y'."

Education for the patient (and their family/school nurse/coach) is key to teach how to identify and treat symptoms when they first start. With appropriate treatment, the vast majority of asthma patients can continue to enjoy any activity they choose, without limitations.