Asthma is a chronic condition that causes blockages of the airways, causing wheezing, making it hard for you to breathe. It is triggered by allergens, viruses, exercises, and emotional stress. Dr. Prabhdeep Singh, MD, works with patients to comprehensively diagnose and treat asthma in El Centro, California, allowing you to have healthy lungs free of blockages, irritability, and inflammation.
Below is all you ought to know about asthma.
Types of asthma
Although asthma occurs for different reasons and in various ways, the triggers are often the same, such as cigarette smoke, molds, pet dander, viruses, and airborne pollutants. The following are types of asthmas:
Childhood asthma is slightly more common in children than adults due to cold, pollutants, and allergens.
Adult-onset asthma develops in adulthood due to respiratory illness, smoking, stress, hormonal factors, and obesity.
Occupational asthma occurs due to allergens or pollutants at workplaces like bakeries, hospitals, pet shops, and farms.
Eosinophilic asthma is caused by high levels of white blood cells
Asthma triggers
The following are common causes of asthma:
Infections like cold and flu
Irritants and allergens such as pet dander, strong perfume, cleaning products, molds, pollen, and dust mites
Air pollution and tobacco smoke
Exercise, cold air, and changes in temperature
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Strong emotions such as laughter, anxiety, stress, and depression
Medication such as aspirin and food preservatives such as sulfites found in shrimps, pickles, and wine
Obesity, hormonal changes, genetic factors, and lung conditions such as sinusitis
Symptoms
Coughing and wheezing
Shortness of breath and pressure in the chest
Trouble sleeping
Pale or blue face, lips, and fingernails
Sweaty face and difficulty walking
A feeling of a panic attack
Diagnosis
Your pulmonologist conducts physical examination by asking you about your symptoms such as difficulties in breathing during night time and conducts the following tests:
Spirometry to measure how much air you blow out and how fast
Peak flow to measure how well your lungs push out air
Exhaled nitric oxide test to measure the amount of nitric acid in your breath
Chest X-ray to determine other respiratory conditions causing your asthma
CT tests to provide clear images of your chest
Allergy test to determine if allergies are causing your asthma
Sputum eosinophil to check for high levels of white blood cells
Treatment
The following treatments and medications help to ease asthma symptoms:
Inhaled corticosteroids are taken daily to keep your asthma under control and prevent and alleviate swelling and blockage of the airway. They include Pulmicort and Fluticasone.
Leukotriene modifiers: They offer a long-term solution by blocking leukotriene triggers in your body; an example of these pills is Singulair and Accolate.
Long-acting beta-agonists: They are bronchodilators that help relax muscle bands that surround your airway
Combination inhaler: The device provides you with an inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta-agonists to ease pain
Theophylline: Opens airway and eases tightness in your chest
Anticholinergics: Prevents airway band muscles from tightening.
Consult your pulmonologist today
Asthma affects people of any age and causes symptoms that range from mild to severe. Contact Prabhdeep Singh, MD, a specialized pulmonologist in El Centro, California, and get effective treatment to help you live a full and active life with asthma.