Asthma

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes your airways to swell, narrow, and produce excess mucus. Without proper treatment, asthma makes it difficult to breathe and may also trigger wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

For some people, asthma only causes minor issues; for others, it interferes with day-to-day tasks and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack. Though there’s no cure for asthma, you can control its symptoms. If you or a loved one is experiencing respiratory issues, visit Physicians Medical Urgent Care today. 

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Asthma affects everyone differently. Some people experience symptoms only as a result of exercise or physical activity; others struggle to breathe nearly all the time. Telltale signs of asthma include:

• Chest pain
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Trouble sleeping

Environmental factors can also trigger asthma. For example, allergy-induced asthma occurs as a result of exposure to an airborne substance like pet hair, pollen, or dust. 

Who gets asthma?

Asthma affects people of all ages, sexes, and backgrounds, but there are certain factors that may increase your risk, including:

• Being overweight
• Smoking
• Having allergies
• Having a family history of asthma
• Exposure to pollution

Your job may also increase your risk of developing asthma. If you’re exposed to chemicals or fumes all day, you might develop occupational asthma. 

How is asthma diagnosed?

To diagnose asthma, your doctor conducts a physical exam and asks you about the symptoms you’re experiencing. They might also order a lung function test to determine the overall health of your lungs. 

Physicians Medical Urgent Care uses spirometry, with a top-of-the-line pulmonary function testing (PFT) machine. Spirometry measures the narrowing of your bronchial tubes. During spirometry, you inhale deeply and then exhale. The test measures how much air you exhale and how fast. The PFT test also provides valuable information that your doctor can share with internal medicine specialists or pulmonologists. 

How is asthma treated?

Treatment for asthma depends on your overall health and the severity of your symptoms. Whenever possible, your doctor recommends conservative, integrative treatments.

For example, they might recommend healthy lifestyle changes, like avoiding triggers or quitting smoking if applicable. Or you might benefit from using a quick-relief inhaler or taking prescription bronchodilators. Bronchodilators are a group of medications that quickly open inflamed or swollen airways. 

If you or a loved one regularly experiences difficulty breathing, asthma may be to blame. To request an asthma consultation at Physicians Medical Urgent Care, call the office, click the online booking tool, or walk-in today.