Medcenter One Pulmonology

How can I reduce the effects of asthma?

Dr. Shrestha

Asthma causes your airways to narrow and swell. Coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath are common symptoms. In addition to these symptoms, people with asthma are likely to wheeze or make a whistling sound when they exhale. They have trouble sleeping due to the shortness of breath and coughing. That coughing or wheezing is worse when they have a virus such as the cold or flu. A doctor needs to make the determination if a patient has asthma. While symptoms vary, early diagnosis and management are important for a successful outcome. Some people with asthma only have occasional flare-ups where they have

trouble breathing. Some have night breathing issues but feel good during the day. Others have what is termed exercise-induced asthma, meaning they experience symptoms when they engage in strenuous activities. Some live with acute symptoms all the time. What they all have in common is the fact that asthma changes and often worsens over time. expecially without proper management.

Managing asthma
People who successfully manage their asthma learn to reconize their triggers and avoid them. They make lifestyle adjustments to minimize symptoms and use long-term medications to control symptoms. If you are having trouble controlling your asthma or if your asthma symptoms worsen, a pulmonologist, a specialist who has advanced training in diseases of the respiratory tract, is a good source of expertise.

There are known risk factors for asthma that you can change. If you are overweight or a smoker, you are at a higher risk. Exposure to secondhand smoke, pollution, toxic fumes and occupational chemicals increase your risk of developing asthma. Risk factors that you can't control include low birth weight, having a blood relative with asthma, a mother who smoked and having allergic conditions.

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