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Asthma Specialist

ENT & ALLERGY SPECIALISTS OF VA

ENT Physician & Allergists located in Ashbrook Commons, Ashburn, VA

If you struggle to catch your breath or cough after exercise or when you’re exposed to certain irritants, you’re probably among the 26 million Americans with asthma. Many people live with asthma and don’t even know it until the symptoms become severe. If you suspect that you have asthma, get a diagnosis and asthma treatment plan by scheduling an appointment today. Contact ENT & Allergy Specialists of VA, PC in Ashburn, Virginia, by phone or online.

Asthma Q & A

What is asthma?

Asthma is a breathing condition in which your airways become inflamed and swollen, produce extra mucus, and narrow — all of which make it difficult to breathe. The severity of asthma varies from person to person. It can be minor or interfere with your everyday activities. Some people experience life-threatening attacks.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

You can experience difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, or chest pain when you have asthma, especially at night or after exercise. Other common asthma symptoms include:

  • Feeling tired frequently
  • Losing your breath quickly when exercising
  • Coughing more at night
  • Decreases or changes in your lung function

The symptoms can be there all the time, only during exercise, or flare up randomly. If you suspect that you have asthma, schedule an appointment with ENT & Allergy Specialists of VA, PC for diagnosis and treatment. Asthma symptoms can be deadly if they’re left untreated.

What causes asthma?

The exact cause of asthma is unknown, and it’s unclear why some people have asthma and others don’t. Still, it’s believed that asthma is a result of genetics and environmental factors. Asthma triggers are different for everyone, but exposure to irritants and allergens can trigger asthma symptoms.

Common asthma triggers include:

Airborne allergens like dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores

  • Cold air
  • Respiratory infections and colds
  • Exercise
  • Air pollutants like smoke
  • Stress
  • Food sulfites and preservatives
  • Some medications

Some people experience asthma symptoms due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where the stomach acid backs up into the throat. The experienced ENT & Allergy Specialists of VA, PC team discover your asthma triggers and develop an asthma treatment plan to reduce your symptoms and prevent severe asthma attacks.

How is asthma treated?

There’s no cure for asthma, but asthma treatment can manage your symptoms and allow you to lead a normal, active life.

Asthma is often managed with rescue inhalers that treat the symptoms when they happen and controller inhalers used daily to prevent the symptoms. People with severe asthma usually require longer-acting inhalers that keep the airways open or take oral steroids.

If you’re experiencing asthma symptoms, call today or schedule an appointment online with ENT & Allergy Specialists for a diagnosis and customized asthma treatment.