What is Asthma?
Asthma is an ongoing medical condition where the airways of the lungs become narrow and swell up causing excess mucus, difficulty breathing, wheezing, excess coughing and shortness of breath. Asthma cannot be cured but can be controlled. In addition, there are three types of asthma:
Exercised-induced asthma: triggered by exercise
Occupational asthma: occurs in people that work around irritating substances
Allergy-induced asthma: triggered by allergies or airborne substances such as pollen
Asthma can be identified as intermittent or persistent asthma; intermittent asthma comes and goes however persistent asthma implies you have asthma symptoms almost all of the time.
What Are The Causes of Asthma?
Often causes of asthma include:
Allergies
Respiratory Infections
Environment
Genetics
What Are The Symptoms of Asthma?
Tightness in the chest area
Trouble falling asleep due to shortness of breath
Pain in the chest area
Wheezing when exhaling
How Do You Know If You Have Asthma?
Asthma can be easily identified by a routine physical exam, and a full evaluation regarding the patient's history of allergies or lung diseases. Sometimes an x-ray can be necessary.
Treatment/Prevention
The first steps in treating your asthma is to recognize what triggers your asthma and to avoid those triggers. Long-term medications can keep the symptoms under control and reduce inflammation. Inhalers, which quickly open your airways are also recommended in the case of an asthma attack. If your asthma is typically triggered by allergens, an allergy shot is recommended to take in the case of an allergy-induced asthma attack.
Tucson Clinica Medica Familiar is a family medicine practice focused on providing high-quality care to patients of all ages! We specialize in family practice, pediatrician and geriatrics, Tucson Clinica Medica Familiar team works closely with each patient to develop personalized care plans aimed at promoting health and wellness.
We accept most health insurance, and also those without health insurance.
Call us at 520-620-1200 to learn more about us today. Or visit our website www.tucsonclinicamedicafamiliar.com