Asthma

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic health condition that causes inflammation and extra mucus production in the airways of your lungs. When your airways are inflamed, they become narrow, and there’s less room for air to move in and out of your lungs, which causes symptoms, including:

• A tight feeling in your chest
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Frequent cough

You may also experience asthma attacks. During an attack, your symptoms suddenly become much more severe, and the muscles around your airways contract. Your breathing may become rapid and shallow, and you might feel like you can’t inhale fresh air.

If you’re concerned about asthma, make an appointment at IAM Healthy right away. When left untreated, asthma can worsen and irreversibly damage your lungs.

What causes asthma?

The precise cause of asthma isn’t fully understood, although several factors contribute to the condition. First, if you have a family history of asthma, your risk of developing it increases. Also, if you have allergies or you live or work in an environment that has airborne toxins or chemicals, you may develop asthma.

How is asthma diagnosed?

The team at IAM Healthy offers comprehensive exams to diagnose asthma and other lung issues. Your provider talks to you about your symptoms, lifestyle, and overall health. They also listen to your lungs while you breathe.

If they think you’re showing signs of asthma, your provider may use additional lung function testing such as spirometry, peak expiratory flow, and bronchoprovocation tests. In some cases, they may order a chest X-ray or run further tests for allergies.

How is asthma managed?

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for asthma, although with careful management and care, you can lead a healthy and active life. For example, depending on your condition, your provider may prescribe medication that you inhale directly into your lungs daily to reduce inflammation. You may also be prescribed a rescue inhaler to use in the event of an asthma attack or worsening asthma symptoms.

You should make efforts to identify your asthma triggers and do your best to avoid them. Your provider can give you personalized advice on lifestyle modifications and trigger avoidance strategies to help manage your asthma.

Call IAM Healthy or schedule a consultation online today for expert, customized treatment for asthma.