Common Signs of Asthma
Asthma is a chronic condition that can cause breathing difficulties, which can be severe. When you have asthma, you need the expertise of a specialist to help you live your best life. Dr. John Dishuck at Allergy & Asthma Center of Tuscaloosa, in Tuscaloosa, AL, provides a wide range of asthma and allergy services, to help you.
What You Need to Know about Asthma
Asthma can affect everyone, from newborns, to children, to adults. There are some common signs to pay attention to. You may have asthma if you are experiencing:
- Wheezing or coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Recurrent bronchitis
- Tightness in your chest
If you notice any of the signs listed above, you should seek out your asthma and allergy specialist. Asthma can be brought on by exposure to an allergen, so one of the first ways to treat asthma is to find out if you are allergic to common substances, called allergens.
Some of the most common allergens include:
- Trees and grasses
- Flower and plant pollens
- Pet fur and dander
- Dust mites and mold
- Dairy and seafood
Allergy testing can determine what you are allergic to, so you can avoid the substance if possible. To treat allergies, your doctor may recommend:
- Allergy shots
- Prescription antihistamines
- Sublingual immunotherapy
After your allergies have been addressed, your doctor will evaluate you for asthma. Several tests including spirometry and lung function will be used to determine how well your lungs are working.
In addition to managing your allergies, there are several treatments your doctor may recommend to manage your asthma. Common treatments include:
- Rescue inhalers to relieve acute symptoms
- Long-term asthma medications to provide lasting relief of asthma symptoms
- Environmental modifications to reduce allergens which can lead to an asthma attack
Want to Know More?
To find out more about the common signs of asthma and asthma treatment, call Dr. John Dishuck at Allergy & Asthma Center of Tuscaloosa, in Tuscaloosa, AL. You can reach him in the office by calling (205) 553-2252, so call today.