Asthma affects about 25 million Americans. If you need help managing asthma symptoms, you can find high-quality care at LungDocs. Pulmonary specialist Rajesh Shetty, MD, offers pulmonary function tests in-office to accurately diagnose asthma in adults. The providers also provide long-term management plans to prevent asthma attacks and keep your condition well-controlled. Call the New Braunfels or Kyle, Texas, office to schedule diagnostic testing for asthma symptoms or book an appointment online today.
Asthma is a chronic condition that causes swelling in your airways and excess mucus production. These issues make catching your breath difficult and can lead to damage in the bronchial tubes that carry air to and from your lungs.
The underlying cause of asthma isn’t well understood but your genetic history and environment may play a role. There are several known triggers of asthma symptoms, including:
While there’s currently no cure for asthma, the LungDocs providers offer services to manage your condition in the long term and protect your lung health.
You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at LungDocs if you have new asthma symptoms or if your existing asthma condition worsens.
Asthma symptoms can include:
The providers use pulmonary function tests to assess the input and output of air in your lungs to confirm an asthma diagnosis. They may also recommend allergy testing to identify allergic reactions that can trigger an asthma attack.
Based on your test results, the LungDocs providers create a treatment plan to address existing asthma symptoms and prevent additional asthma attacks.
Your treatment plan for asthma can include a combination of lifestyle changes and medications to keep your condition well-controlled.
Asthma medications may include:
Short-acting medications quickly reduce inflammation in your airways, so you can breathe easier. Typically, you inhale these medications directly into your lungs during an asthma attack.
Taking long-acting asthma medications daily helps keep your asthma under control and can prevent serious asthma symptoms from developing.
Depending on the results of your allergy test, you may also benefit from daily allergy medications or immunotherapy to change how your body responds to known allergens in your environment.
Lifestyle changes can help reduce your exposure to asthma triggers. For instance, you should stay indoors when pollen counts are high and use quality air filters in your home.
You should also get daily exercise to maintain a healthy weight. To keep your lungs strong, the LungDocs providers may recommend breathing exercises you can do at home.
Call the LungDocs office near you to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for asthma symptoms, or book an appointment online today.