Asthma Specialist

What causes asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition that leads to severe inflammation and narrowing of your airways. They swell and produce extra mucus, which can make breathing extremely difficult. Asthma can either be an occasional nuisance, or it can be a serious ailment that affects your daily life. You may develop asthma due to:

• Family history of asthma
• Being overweight
• Smoking cigarettes
• Exposure to secondhand smoke or pollution

While all of these factors can contribute to the development of asthma, the leading cause is usually allergies. Most asthma sufferers have an underlying allergy they don’t know about that’s causing they’re symptoms. This condition is known as allergic asthma, and it can stem from the following common allergens:

• Cockroaches
• Dust mites
• Mold
• Pet dander
• Pollen

While these are some of the most well-known triggers for allergic asthma, any allergen can potentially cause asthma attacks. This is why getting tested for allergies, understanding symptoms, and starting treatment are so important for optimal lung function.

Will I know if I have asthma?

Oftentimes, yes. While asthma symptoms can be different from person to person, there are some common symptoms, including:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Coughing

With allergic asthma, you might have other symptoms, too. In this case, it can be common to experience sneezing, itchy nose or eyes, a runny nose, or itchy skin when asthma attacks strike.

How is asthma treated?

The team of asthma and allergy specialists at The Allergy Clinic will work to get to the root of your condition, thoroughly testing you to determine which, if any, allergens are triggering your asthma attacks. After going through blood or skin allergy testing, your asthma treatment could include one or more of the following therapies:

• Precision medicine therapy
• Immunotherapy or antihistamines
• Long-lasting maintenance inhalers
• Rescue inhalers like albuterol

The team will also spend time counseling you on how to avoid asthma triggers, especially if there are multiple allergens that are causing your symptoms.

To get control of your asthma, call The Allergy Clinic at one of their convenient locations or schedule an appointment online.