Asthma is a medical condition that affects a patient’s lungs, narrowing the airways, resulting in shortness of breath and other symptoms that can range in severity.
Anyone, regardless of age, can develop this condition and, although asthma does not have a cure, there are many effective treatments available to help manage your symptoms. Here at Texas ENT Specialists, an asthma doctor in League City can discuss your treatment options with you, so you can get your asthma under control.
When a patient experiences asthma symptoms, it is caused by inflamed airways and excess mucus, which can make it difficult for air to pass in and out of the lungs. In many cases, asthma symptoms can worsen at night due to postnasal drip caused by laying flat. Sitting upright can help open up your airways, so you can breathe.
Although we still do not know the cause of asthma, the triggers of its symptoms are clear. Exercise, strong fragrances, pet fur and dander, sudden changes in temperature, and high stress can all trigger asthma symptoms.
Despite the fact that the cause of asthma remains somewhat of a mystery, there are some factors that increase the likelihood of a patient developing this condition. If you have a family history of asthma or you were exposed to secondhand smoke, it is possible that you may develop asthma.
If you are experiencing asthma symptoms and want to create a plan to effectively manage them, Texas ENT Specialists in League City can help. We were founded in 1997 and are dedicated to providing care that can make a difference in your life.
To determine if you have asthma, you will have to take numerous tests, the most common of which is called spirometry. It is a lung function test that measures the air you blow out to assess how well your lungs are functioning. You might also have to undergo allergy testing.
Your body needs more oxygen when you exercise, which prompts you to breathe faster, and can trigger your symptoms. If you exercise outside and the weather is cold, this can further exacerbate your asthma. However, exercise is healthy and making it a regular part of your daily routine can improve lung function.
In cases where heartburn is an indication that a patient has GERD, it is possible that it could make it more challenging to treat the symptoms of asthma. If you cannot resolve your coughing with long-term control medications, GERD may be the cause of it.
If you notice that your symptoms worsen when you take pain medications, chances are you are taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, which are actually major triggers. Stay away from pain relievers like Motrin, Advil, and other NSAIDs.
