Asthma

Asthma is a chronic airway disease. The airways are usually inflamed, and more so during asthma exacerbations, or known "asthma attacks".

Severe or difficult to manage asthma

10% of asthmatics have severe asthma, anda smaller percent may be “refractory.” Severe asthmatics are 15 times more likely to require urgent care and 20 times more likely to be hospitalized for acute asthma. Steroid insensitive asthmatics comprise a subgroup of severe asthma.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

This causes symptoms such as cough, wheezing, shortness of breath and/or chest tightness. Half of persons with asthma reported at least 1 asthma exacerbation(s) a year. Childhood asthma impacts millions of children and their families. The majority of children who develop asthma do so before the age of five. People with a family history of allergies or asthma are more prone to developing asthma.

What are the causes of asthma?

Many people with asthma also have allergies. For them, allergens which are small highly soluble proteins, act as triggers.Therefore an allergist can be most helpful in the diagnosis and management of your asthma.

Occupational asthma is caused by inhaling fumes, gases, dust or other potentially harmful substances while on the job. Other common triggers include viruses, air pollution and exercise.

Exercise-induced asthma

Exercise-induced asthma can cause cough, wheezing, chest pain or chest tightness. Often symptoms develop within 30 minutes of several minutes of continuous exercise or afterwards. It can reflect the underlying asthma condition. Some otherwise healthy people and even elite athletes can develop asthma symptoms only when exercising. Your allergist can develop an optimal management plan to keep you or your symptoms under control without any limitations of activity to help stay healthy.

What is the treatment for asthma?

There is no cure for asthma, but proper diagnosis, avoidance of triggers, and medical treatment can control the disease to make you feel healthy.

We will be able to review with you possible exacerbating diagnoses and environmental components and consider personalized approaches to your care.