Asthma
Asthma causes your airways to narrow and in some cases produce extra mucus. This can trigger you to have difficulty breathing, cough, or make a whistling sound when you breathe. Symptoms can be mild or very serious.
Asthma is a lifelong condition for most patients. Although there is no cure, proper medication and doctor’s supervision can control your symptoms so that you can live a normal life.
Symptoms
The symptoms of asthma may vary from person to person. Some people experience symptoms when they do certain activities like exercising, while others experience the symptoms constantly.
Symptoms may include:
– Wheezing (“whistling” sound when you breathe)
– Tightening of chest
– Shortness of breath
– Coughing
Signs of worsening asthma:
– Worsening breathing problems
– More frequent use of quick-relief inhalers
– Symptoms become more bothersome and occur more frequently
Allergies
Smoking
Being overweight or obese
Exposure to pollution
Exposure to secondhand smoke
Having a blood relative with ashtma
Potential triggers
Some people have symptoms show up or worsen with specific triggers:
– Allergies to things like pollen, mold, or animal dander are very common causes of asthma.
– Exercise may cause symptoms, especially if the air is cold or dry.
– Dust, chemical fumes, and strong smells may also trigger asthma symptoms.
– Respiratory infections like the common cold or the flu.
– Stress can also trigger symptoms of asthma.
Diagnosis
Lung function tests may be given to test how much air moves in and out of your lungs as you breathe.
Spirometry checks how much air you can exhale after a deep breath and how fast you’re able to breathe out to estimate the narrowing of your bronchial tubes. We test your breathing before and after using a medication that will open up your airways. This is completed in an outpatient setting.
Peak flow can be measured with a simple device at home to determine how well you are breathing. You will discuss the levels that are normal for you with your doctor and this can be used to determine when to seek medical treatment right away.
Imaging like an x-ray of your chest can check for abnormalities or other diseases that could be causing or aggravating your symptoms.
Allergy testing may help find triggers for your symptoms.
Telehealth Physical Exam
Treatments
Long-term asthma control medicine is usually taken daily to keep your asthma under control and lowers your risk of having an asthma attack.
Quick-relief medications offer rapid and short-term relief during asthma attacks.
Depending on how well your symptoms are controlled and how often you need quick-relief medications, your doctor may need to adjust the dosage and/or frequency of your medication.
Remote Patient Monitoring Devices
Conditions like asthma stick with you for the long term, which is why remote patient monitoring devices are essential for proper management. A remote patient monitoring device such as a pulse oximeter allows your doctor to monitor your condition in real-time. This can be extremely beneficial as asthma symptoms most often occur outside of your regularly scheduled doctor’s appointments.