DMV Allergy & Asthma Center – Allergist Washington DC & Alexandria

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Asthma

DMV Allergy & Asthma Center – Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Management of Asthma

Breathing Freely, Living Fully

Asthma Specialist Doctor Near Alexandria, VA & Washington, DC

Asthma may be a chronic condition, but with expert care from the team at DMV Allergy & Asthma Center, you can manage your symptoms and live life to the fullest. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 25 million people live with asthma in the United States alone. Additionally, the number of asthma cases in America has been steadily increasing since the 1980s with no regard for age, gender, or race. Asthma is uncomfortable and potentially life-threatening if left untreated. The asthma specialists at  DMV Allergy & Asthma Center can help you develop a personalized plan to manage your asthma and improve your quality of life.

If you’re ready to breathe easy and treat your asthma, schedule an appointment with us today.

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FAQ on Asthma

Asthma is a chronic (long-term) inflammatory disease of the lungs and airways. When asthma flares up, your airways swell and tighten. This causes your airways to narrow and creates excess mucus so less air gets into your lungs, making it hard to breathe. These flare-ups often happen when you come into contact with irritants or triggers.
If you have asthma, you might not have all of these symptoms, and your symptoms may change over time. Nevertheless, it’s important to be aware of all of the potential symptoms:
  • Wheezing: This is a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe.
  • Coughing: It may be worse at night or early in the morning.
  • Tightness in your chest: This may feel like someone is squeezing your chest.
  • Fast or noisy breathing
  • Shortness of breath: You may feel short of breath, or feel like you can’t catch your breath.
An asthma attack is a sudden worsening of asthma symptoms caused by a tightening of muscles around the airways (bronchospasm). During an asthma attack, the lining of the airways becomes inflamed and mucus production increases. Here are some of the most typical signs and symptoms of an asthma attack:
  • Severe wheezing
  • Uncontrollable coughing
  • Rapid breathing
  • Chest pain and pressure
  • Retractions or tightened neck and chest muscles
  • Difficulty talking and breathing
  • Low peak flow readings
While symptoms differ between individuals, it’s important to know all of the signs so you can act quickly in the event of an asthma attack.

There are several types of asthma. Below are the most common types of asthma we treat:

  • Allergic asthma
  • Exercise-induced asthma
  • Cough-variant asthma
  • Occupational asthma

The diagnosis for asthma may include any of the following:

  • Physical exam
  • Review of your family’s health history
  • Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT)
  • Allergy Testing

The treatment plans we develop at DMV Allergy & Asthma Center usually include control, prevention and rescue medications for the management of asthma symptoms and attacks, along with the creation of a customized asthma action plan.

If you’d like to learn more about asthma medications, here are a few of our recommended resources:

  • American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI)
  • American Lung Association or 1-800-LUNGUSA
  • National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)