Asthma can make it hard for you to breathe. If you’re wondering if you have asthma, or are seeking expert care for this common condition, look no further than Allergy, Asthma & Immunology of the Rockies, P.C., with locations in Avon, Basalt, Aspen, Frisco, and Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Their board-certified experts diagnose and treat asthma with advanced options that include immunotherapy and biologics. Find out how they can help you breathe more easily by calling today or scheduling a consultation online.
Asthma is a chronic condition that causes difficulty breathing. With asthma, the airway to your lungs becomes narrow, inflamed, and produces extra mucus.
Asthma symptoms can appear at any time. The most common signs of asthma are:
Bouts of asthma can be mild or severe. A mild episode may last just a few minutes, while a more serious attack may persist hours or days.
Asthma has many triggers. Being exposed to an allergen like pollen or pet dander can provoke asthma symptoms. Smoke, strong odors, chemical fumes, or extreme weather can bring on a bout of asthma. Illness, especially a respiratory condition or the flu, may also make you more susceptible.
Strong emotions that disrupt your breathing can also trigger asthma symptoms. Science shows rapid breathing can tighten bronchial tubes, possibly setting off or worsening an attack.
Your provider takes a full account of your medical history and performs a physical exam. They may also ask you to blow into a hollow tube connected to a spirometer. This diagnostic tool helps measure lung function. To confirm your diagnosis, you may also need a chest X-ray, exercise test, or skin test to assess your reaction to certain substances.
Your provider will work with you to find the right medicine, or combination of medicines, to manage your asthma, tailoring the dosage to your symptoms. You may be prescribed a bronchodilator. When inhaled, this medicine expands the airways in your lungs, making it easier for you to breathe.
Long-term treatments for asthma include medications and therapies to stop the allergic reaction causing your asthma: Here are a few examples:
If you’re ready to gain relief from the symptoms of asthma, call today or schedule a consultation online with the asthma specialists at Allergy, Asthma & Immunology of the Rockies.
