Asthma Clinic

Asthma is a chronic lung condition in which the airways are inflamed. This inflammation makes the airways sensitive to a variety of things called “triggers”. When the airways are exposed to these triggers, they become narrow. This can lead to difficulty breathing, chest tightness, cough, and wheezing. Some common triggers that can make asthma worse include exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoke and chemicals, infections, exercise, weather changes and allergies.

There are many different types of asthma, and it can develop at any age. It is unclear why certain people develop asthma though genetics likely play a role. The likelihood of developing asthma increases if you have a close relative with asthma or allergic disease. There is no cure for asthma but with the proper management and treatment, symptoms can be controlled.

The first step in diagnosing asthma is a thorough medical history and physical exam. Your doctor may order other tests which can include a breathing test using a spirometer, bronchial challenge testing, allergy testing and blood tests.

Spirometer:

A spirometer is a machine used to measure the amount of air in the lungs that can be blown out forcibly. The breathing test may be performed before and after you breath in a medication to help open your airways. Asthmatics can have difficulty blowing out the air in their lungs due to airway narrowing.

Bronchoprovocation testing:

This test is performed with a spirometer to assess how your airways react after breathing in an irritant substance.

Blood Tests:

Testing for allergies through blood draws or skin pricking may be performed to identify certain allergic triggers that the airways are sensitive too. In addition, blood testing helps identify the type of asthma you may have which can guide treatment.

Management of asthma includes identifying and avoiding the triggers, using medications, and developing an emergency plan during asthma attacks. The mainstay of asthma treatment includes inhaled medications that you breath in. In most cases the inhalers are used daily (controller inhaler) and as needed (rescue inhaler). Your doctor will adjust your medications to optimize your asthma control.

In certain cases, medications injected under the skin or through a vein may be needed to control asthma. If your asthma symptoms remain uncontrolled your doctor may refer you to a specialist for more advanced treatments.

The goal of asthma management is to control asthma symptoms, prevent asthma attacks and minimize medication side effects. There is no cure for asthma but with proper management and treatment your symptoms can be controlled.

You may need to be referred to a pulmonologist (Lung Doctor) or allergist if you have one of the following:

• When your symptoms are not controlled despite treatment
• If you need frequent oral corticosteroids courses to treat asthma flare ups
• If your symptoms are unusual or the diagnosis is unclear
• Life threatening or severe asthma attack
• Several visits to urgent care, emergency room or hospital for asthma in the last year
• Asthma complicated by chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, or vocal cord dysfunction
• You need more help and instruction with your medications or treatment plan

American Lung Association

CHEST:

https://asthma.chestnet.org/patients/

National Jewish Health

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology