Asthma is a chronic disease that causes inflammation and swelling in the lungs that makes it hard to breathe. At Reliable Primary Care and Wellness in Henderson, Nevada, Amir Aftab, MD, and Brittany Garcia, APRN, FNP-C, specialize in chronic disease management, providing comprehensive asthma care. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today for patient-centered asthma care.
request an appointmentWhat is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that affects the tubes (airways) that move air in and out of the lungs. With asthma, these airways become swollen and inflamed, narrowing the passageway, and making it harder to breathe in and out.
It’s estimated that about 25 million people in the United States have asthma. It affects people of all ages but usually develops during childhood.
Currently, there’s no cure for asthma and treatment centers around preventing the swelling and inflammation that affects breathing and treating breathing problems when they occur.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
Asthma symptoms vary, ranging from mild to severe. Common symptoms of asthma include:
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Tightness in the chest
- Chest pain
Symptoms may occur every day or every once in a while and may get worse when you have a respiratory infection like a cold or flu. Some people develop symptoms from certain triggers.
When symptoms worsen, you may have an asthma attack. During an attack, the airway narrows, making breathing even harder. These attacks may develop quickly or gradually and may be life-threatening.
Everyone with asthma needs a plan for managing an asthma attack.
What are common asthma triggers?
Researchers are still looking into what causes asthma. However, swelling and inflammation in the lungs in people with asthma occur when the immune system overreacts to a substance that enters the lungs.
Some people also have specific asthma triggers, such as:
- Indoor and outdoor allergens
- Emotional stress
- Exercise
- Infections
- Certain medications
- Very cold air
Knowing your asthma triggers is an important part of your treatment plan and may help prevent or minimize an asthma attack.
What are the treatments for asthma?
Reliable Primary Care and Wellness takes an integrative and patient-centered approach to care. They customize your asthma treatment plan based on the severity of your symptoms and asthma triggers.
Your plan may include daily medication to prevent or minimize asthma symptoms and quick-relief medications to improve breathing during an asthma attack.
Your provider at Reliable Primary Care and Wellness also helps you develop an asthma action plan that outlines the steps you take when your asthma worsens and when it’s time to go to the emergency room.
They also provide nutrition and stress management guidance to help with overall health and well-being that may benefit your asthma.
Asthma changes over time and requires ongoing medical care and monitoring. Call Reliable Primary Care and Wellness or schedule an appointment online today.