About 8% of adults and children in America live with asthma. For people in Columbus, Mount Vernon, and Bellefontaine, Ohio, Syed Naqvi, MD, and the team at Family Urgent Care offer outstanding diagnostic and treatment services for asthma. To get more information about asthma detection and care, call the office or book an appointment online today. Walk-in appointments are also available.
Asthma Q&A
What is asthma?
Asthma is a common chronic health condition that makes it difficult to breathe. Many people develop symptoms as children, but you can also experience the first symptoms of asthma at any point during adulthood.
Researchers are unaware of the exact cause of asthma but believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors is to blame.
It appears that asthma occurs when your immune system mistakenly launches a reaction to a substance not normally dangerous to humans. This is why there’s such a strong link between asthma and allergies.
What are some signs I may have asthma?
Breathing troubles are the primary sign of asthma, but those difficulties can look different from one person to the next. Some of the symptoms of asthma include:
- Coughing, especially at night or in the morning
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing sounds when exhaling
- A sensation of chest tightness
- Feeling as if you aren’t getting enough air as you breathe
Asthma symptoms can range in severity from mild to debilitating. They may come and go over time and can worsen if you have a cold or viral infection. Many people find that their symptoms occur after exposure to a specific asthma trigger.
What are some common asthma triggers?
Everyone’s experience with asthma is unique, but researchers have identified multiple triggers that can prompt asthma symptoms. Some known asthma triggers include:
- Tobacco smoke
- Dust mites
- Pollen
- Pet dander
- Wood smoke
- Mold
- Food additives
- Certain cleaning products
Some people experience asthma symptoms when there are thunderstorms, after physical exertion, or even in response to strong emotions.
How is asthma treated?
There are many ways to treat asthma, and your customized treatment plan centers on your specific set of needs. Learning to identify asthma triggers is an important part of the process and can help you reduce the number of asthma attacks you experience.
Medications may play a role in your treatment plan. There are numerous drugs to choose from, some of which are taken orally and others that are inhaled directly into the lungs.
Some medications are designed to provide immediate and short-term relief, while others help manage asthma over the long term. It may take a period of trial and error to find the best possible drug therapy for your symptoms.
If you’re concerned about asthma symptoms or are seeking a new approach to managing asthma, call Family Urgent Care or book a visit online today. Walk-in visits are also available.
For more information, please feel free to send us a message or call us using our given contact details.