Asthma Specialist

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes your airways to become inflamed. This inflammation narrows the airway from your mouth to your lungs, making it difficult to breathe.

A severe asthma attack that deprives your body of necessary oxygen can be life-threatening.

Environmental factors can trigger asthma, especially if you work around chemicals or other irritants. You can also experience asthma-related breathing issues due to exposure to common allergens like pollen or mold.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Asthma symptoms vary from case to case. For some, breathing difficulties happen occasionally, while others experience frequent, more serious episodes.

Common symptoms of asthma include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath

You can also suffer from the effects of poor-quality sleep due to asthma. When symptoms worsen or begin to interfere with your life, you should seek a medical evaluation without delay.

How is asthma diagnosed?

To confirm a diagnosis of asthma and rule out infections or other underlying medical issues, Dr. Kwaku and Dr. Evivie perform a thorough evaluation of your health. They will often perform lung function testing to measure your breathing ability.

Lung function tests include spirometry, a noninvasive test that measures how much air you can take in and breathe out. You will likely also undergo a chest X-ray or CT scan, which help identify internal structural issues that interfere with your breathing.

What treatments are available for asthma?

Depending on the severity of your asthma symptoms and their cause, Dr. Kwaku and Dr. Evivie can recommend fast-acting prescription medications, such as bronchodilators taken through an inhaler, that quickly reduce airway inflammation to let you breathe more freely.

Long-term medications to control asthma can also be beneficial in managing moderate to severe asthma.

You also work closely with Dr. Kwaku and Evivie to develop a plan for asthma emergencies to prevent life-threatening situations.

In the event you can’t get an asthma attack under control, you need to go directly to the hospital or call 911.

To better manage your asthma symptoms, schedule a consultation at PrimeCare Medical Center today. You can book online or call the office to set up an appointment.