Asthma

What is asthma?

Asthma is a lung disease that occurs when the airways become chronically inflamed. As a result of the ongoing inflammation, the airways are overly sensitive.

When you inhale certain substances, the airways become swollen, clogged with mucus, and the muscles in the airways tighten (narrowing the tubes carrying air in and out of your lungs). These changes make it hard to breathe, and you have an asthma attack.

What symptoms does asthma cause? 

During an asthma flare-up, you have one or more of these symptoms:

• Chest pain or tightness
• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• Cough

Though not as common, a dry cough may be your only symptom.

What triggers asthma flare-ups?

Allergens frequently trigger asthma flare-ups in people with allergies, but many possible irritants can cause trouble in your airways, including:

• Pollen
• Dust mites
• Animal dander
• Mold spores
• Cold air
• Stress
• Tobacco smoke
• Anxiety
• Certain medicines
• Respiratory infections
• Sinus infections

Up to 90% of people with asthma experience a flare-up when they begin to exercise. The team at Allergy & Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan provides treatment that lets you exercise without worrying about asthma.

How is asthma diagnosed?

In addition to reviewing your medical history and completing a physical exam, your provider performs a lung function test called spirometry. As you breathe into a mouthpiece, a spirometer measures the amount of air you can breathe in and out and how fast you can exhale.

How is asthma treated?

The team at Allergy & Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan creates a care plan to improve your symptoms and reduce flare-ups. Your treatment may include:

Identifying and avoiding triggers

Your provider helps you identify your unique triggers and suggests ways to avoid them.

Getting allergy testing and treatment

When allergies cause flare-ups, your provider may recommend allergy testing and immunotherapy. Receiving immunotherapy (allergy shots, sublingual tablets, or oral immunotherapy) decreases your allergy symptoms and lowers your risk of asthma attacks.

Taking medications

Everyone with asthma should carry a rescue inhaler. This device holds medication that quickly opens your airways during an asthma attack. Your provider may also prescribe a daily medication that reduces the frequency and severity of future asthma flare-ups.

If you have moderate to severe asthma that doesn’t improve with standard medications, your provider may recommend biologic medications. These medications reduce airway inflammation by blocking specific molecules.

Don’t let poorly controlled asthma affect the quality of your life. Call or book an appointment online today.

We offer fully customizable treatment for food allergies, including Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) and Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) exclusively or in tandem with Xolair. Dr. Mayer has been treating food allergies for over 20 years and was one of the first providers to incorporate Xolair into successful food allergy treatments. Call us to book your appointment today.