Asthma Treatment
Finding Solutions for Your Respiratory Condition
Asthma is a chronic condition that causes difficulty breathing due to inflammation, swelling, or excess mucus in the airways. The inflammation can cause swelling in the airways and lungs and lead to periods of shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. For some people with asthma, physical activity will coincide or exacerbate the condition. Certain environmental factors can trigger asthma attacks; these include smoking, viruses, and/or environmental toxins. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 25 million Americans suffer from asthma. As a primary care clinic, Healthonomics can help in diagnosing and treating this common condition and finding the right balance to avoid flare-ups.
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
How is Asthma Diagnosed?
Asthma is diagnosed by performing a medical examination and learning about your medical history. After one of our physicians has examined you, they will perform special breathing tests to measure and assess your lung functions. Two of these tests are the pulmonary function test and spirometry test. While diagnosing, our doctors will perform allergy testing to determine whether you have allergies and if so what allergens trigger your asthma.
What is the Pulmonary Function Test?
This test requires you to take a deep breath and blow into an instrument as hard as you can. Then, a specialized sensor will measure how much air your lungs can hold and how fast they can blow out air.
What is the Spirometry Test?
Spirometry confirms airway obstruction and the severity of your asthma and measures the basic lung function that includes how much air is expired and inspired. The test works by measuring airflow through a small apparatus called the spirometer.
What Are Some Treatment Options for Asthma?
Asthma does not have a cure for all, but highly advanced treatments and correct diagnosis can help mitigate and even control the symptoms. The key is finding what triggers your particular asthma. Our knowledgeable physicians will help you determine what triggers your condition by tracking food or activity, as well as allergy testing.
What types of medication might be used?
Asthma treatment can involve several courses of action. Treatment can depend on several factors including the severity of your flare-ups, age, and activity levels.
Some possible medications might include:
Inhaled corticosteroids: anti-inflammatory medications that open your airways. These medications help you live an active lifestyle and can be life-saving in some cases.
Long-acting bronchodilators: used in combination with corticosteroid medication to help you control symptoms when taken with inhaled corticosteroids. If you have severe flare-ups, you may need a rescue inhaler or a short-acting bronchodilator. Bronchodilators are meant for quick relief, not for ongoing treatment.
Oral medications, such as leukotriene modifiers and corticosteroids, are sometimes used in conjunction with inhalers during flare-ups.
Come By Healthonomic Primary Care Clinic and Find the Right Asthma Treatment for You
Our doctors are widely knowledgeable in asthma treatment and in finding solutions to live a healthy and active lifestyle with this chronic condition. Don’t let it dictate your life. Come by for a physical examination and find the right treatment for you.
