Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease involving the airways in the lungs. These airways, or bronchial tubes, allow air to come in and out of the lungs.

If you have asthma your airways are always inflamed. They become even more swollen and the muscles around the airways can tighten when something triggers your symptoms. This makes it difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs, causing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and/or chest tightness.

For many asthma sufferers, timing of these symptoms is closely related to physical activity. And, some otherwise healthy people can develop asthma symptoms only when exercising. This is called exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). Staying active is an important way to stay healthy, so asthma shouldn't keep you on the sidelines. Dr. Jacobs can develop a management plan to keep your symptoms under control before, during and after physical activity.

People with a family history of allergies or asthma are more prone to developing asthma. Many people with asthma also have allergies. This is called allergic asthma.  Occupational asthma is caused by inhaling fumes, gases, dust or other potentially harmful substances while on the job.

Childhood asthma impacts millions of children and their families. In fact, the majority of children who develop asthma do so before the age of five.

There is no cure for asthma, but once it is properly diagnosed and a treatment plan is in place you will be able to manage your condition, and your quality of life will improve.

An allergist / immunologist is the best qualified physician in diagnosing and treating asthma. With the help of Dr. Jacobs and the staff and The Center for Allergy & Immunology, you can take control of your condition and participate in normal activities.

Asthma Symptoms & Diagnosis

Asthma Symptoms
The symptoms of asthma and best treatment for you or your child may be quite different than for someone else with asthma.

The most common symptom is wheezing. This is a scratchy or whistling sound when you breathe. Other symptoms include:
•    Shortness of breath
•    Chest tightness or pain
•    Chronic coughing
•    Trouble sleeping due to coughing or wheezing

Asthma symptoms, also called asthma flare-ups or asthma attacks, are often caused by allergies and exposure to allergens such as pet dander, dust mites, pollen or mold. Non-allergic triggers include smoke, pollution or cold air or changes in weather.

Asthma symptoms may be worse during exercise, when you have a cold or during times of high stress.

Children with asthma may show the same symptoms as adults with asthma: coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. In some children chronic cough may be the only symptom.

If you or your child has one or more of these common symptoms, make an appointment with The Center for Allergy & Immunology:
•    Coughing that is constant or that is made worse by viral infections, happens while your child is asleep, or is triggered by exercise and cold air
•    Wheezing or whistling sound when your child exhales
•    Shortness of breath or rapid breathing, which may be associated with exercise
•    Chest tightness (a young child may say that his chest “hurts” or “feels funny”)
•    Fatigue (your child may slow down or stop playing)
•    Problems feeding or grunting during feeding (infants)
•    Avoiding sports or social activities
•    Problems sleeping due to coughing or difficulty breathing

Patterns in asthma symptoms are important and can help your doctor make a diagnosis. Pay attention to when symptoms occur:
•    At night or early morning
•    During or after exercise
•    During certain seasons
•    After laughing or crying
•    When exposed to common asthma triggers

Asthma Diagnosis
We diagnose asthma by taking a thorough medical history and performing breathing tests to measure how well your lungs work.  Many people with asthma also have allergies, so we may also perform allergy testing. Treating the underlying allergic triggers for your asthma will help you avoid asthma symptoms.

Asthma Treatment & Management

There is no cure for asthma, but symptoms can be controlled with effective asthma treatment and management. Allergy shots can help people who have allergic triggers.  This involves taking your medications as directed and learning to avoid triggers that cause your asthma symptoms.  We will also prescribe the best medications for your condition and provide you with specific instructions for using them.

If you are pregnant, you may be hesitant about taking medications, including those for asthma. This can be a mistake for your health and that of your baby-to-be. Continue taking your prescribed asthma medications and make an appointment with your allergist to discuss treatments that will help you have a healthy pregnancy. Additionally, you may want to enroll in a study designed to monitor medications and pregnancy.

People with asthma are at risk of developing complications from respiratory infections such as influenza and pneumonia. That is why it is important for asthma sufferers, especially adults, to get vaccinated annually.

With proper treatment and an asthma management plan, you can minimize your symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life.