Dr. Lipson Allergy and Asthma Consultants – Symptoms: Asthma
Brian S. Lipson, M.D. treats Asthma
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that affects over 20 million Americans. It is a condition characterized by narrowing of the airways, mucous production within the airways and inflammation of the airways.
These symptoms can be persistent, occurring on a daily basis or episodic occurring only with specific triggers.
The so called “allergic asthma” is triggered by specific allergens such as dust mites, molds, animal dander, airborne pollens and cockroaches. Patients with allergic asthma will experience symptoms after exposure to these allergic triggers.
Other triggers include infections such as colds, flu, or bronchitis, exercise or even pregnancy can worsen asthma.
The typical symptoms of asthma include wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. But even a chronic cough, especially after a cold may be a sign of bronchial asthma.
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Although asthma typically begins in childhood, it can begin at any age and symptoms that begin after the age of 50 can sometimes be quite severe, though rarely triggered by allergens.
There is much that can be done to control asthma and minimize its symptoms. Medications such as bronchodilators can control the wheezing and chest tightness.
If symptoms persist, some patients need controller medication such as inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, or even steroid pills such as prednisone.
The controller medications are taken every day regardless of patient symptoms.
And of course avoidance of the allergic triggers such as dust, cats, dogs and molds can be extremely helpful to minimize asthma symptoms, often without needing ongoing medications.
If you cannot avoid asthma triggers and your symptoms are persistent despite using medications, you should consider Allergy immunotherapy or allergy shots. These treatments have been proven effective in controlling some forms of asthma.
See an Allergist and Asthma Specialist today!
An allergist is best qualified to diagnose and treat asthma in both children and adults. They can help you develop a treatment plan to deal with your asthma, minimize your symptoms and allow you to live a normal life free of debilitating asthma symptoms.
Contact our office now and see what we can do to help you.
CALL US TODAY: 650-216-6111
