What is asthma?
Asthma is a disease that causes your airways to swell, narrow, and produce extra mucus. Together, these factors trigger various respiratory symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Asthma varies in severity. For some people, it’s a minor problem that makes it challenging to exercise; for others, it results in life-threatening asthma attacks that require the use of a quick-relief inhaler. Though there’s no cure for asthma, with intervention and treatment, it’s possible to manage.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
Common symptoms of asthma include:
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing when exhaling
- Coughing
- Difficulty sleeping
If you have asthma, you might also notice that your symptoms worsen while exercising or during allergy season.
Who is at risk of asthma?
Asthma affects people of all ages and races, but certain factors may increase your risk. For example, you’re more likely to experience asthma if you’re a smoker, are overweight, or have an allergic condition like atopic dermatitis or hay fever.
Your job can also put you at risk. That’s especially true if you’re regularly exposed to chemicals used in agriculture, hairdressing, or manufacturing.
How is asthma diagnosed?
To diagnose asthma, Dr. Akamangwa conducts a physical exam, asks about your symptoms and lifestyle, and reviews your medical history. He then orders lung function tests, including:
Spirometry
Spirometry tests how much air you can exhale after taking a deep breath and how fast you breathe out. Dr. Akamangwa uses your results to assess the narrowing of your bronchial tubes.
Peak flow
A peak flow meter is a medical device that measures how hard you exhale. If you have an abnormal peak flow reading, it indicates that your asthma is getting worse.
If peak flow and spirometry don’t provide enough information to make a diagnosis, Dr. Akamangwa might also order allergy testing, X-rays, or a nitric oxide test.
How is asthma treated?
Treatment for asthma depends on the severity of your symptoms and their effect on your quality of life. Typically, Dr. Akamangwa recommends a combination of healthy lifestyle changes, holistic medicine, and prescription medication.
For example, you can significantly lower your risk of an asthma attack by recognizing and avoiding certain triggers. The type of medication that will most benefit you depends on your age, symptoms, and asthma triggers. Dr. Akamangwa might recommend:
- Inhaled corticosteroids
- Combination inhalers
- Leukotriene modifiers
- Short-acting beta antagonists
Ultimately, the goal of medication is to reduce respiratory inflammation to make breathing easier.
To receive treatment for asthma, contact Charis Medical Center. Book an appointment online or call the office to speak with a member of the administrative staff today.
