Asthma In Tuscaloosa, AL
Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions in the US, and the most common condition in children. While asthma symptoms should seem rather easy to diagnose you’d be surprised how many people don’t even realize that they are dealing with asthma until they turn to a doctor for their symptoms. Everything from genetic to environmental elements may be to blame for asthma, but it’s important that you recognize the warning signs so that you can seek immediate treatment.
Classic Asthma Symptoms
Inflammation of the airways can lead to a flare-up of asthma symptoms that can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours or even days, in more severe cases. Some of the classic asthma symptoms include,
- Wheezing/whistling when breathing
- A persistent cough (that often gets worse at night)
- Shortness of breath
- Shallow breathing
- Chest tightness
Asthma Triggers
Symptoms can be triggered by a variety of lifestyle and environmental factors including,
- Exercise
- Secondhand smoke
- Environmental pollutants
- Dust mites
- Pets
- Mold
- Cleaning products
- Stress
- Sinus infections
- Weather changes (e.g. cold; dry air)
Asthma Symptoms Can Change
It’s important to recognize that asthma symptoms can wax and wane and even fluctuate throughout the years, so the symptoms that you experienced as a child may not be the same as an adult. Some patients find that their symptoms get better over time while others may feel as if their symptoms have gotten worse. If you find that your asthma symptoms aren’t being properly managed with your current medications, it’s important that you turn to our team right away.
Treating Asthma
Asthma must be properly managed with medication, even if you’re only experiencing mild asthma symptoms. Our allergist and asthma specialist team will work with you to find the proper dose of medication to reduce inflammation and prevent asthma attacks. While lifestyle changes can certainly improve your symptoms, our team will provide you with an everyday controlled medication to target inflammation while also providing you with a rescue inhaler that is used when you first feel an asthma attack coming on.