Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, affecting about 300 million people worldwide. Asthma has become more common and severe in recent years, especially among children. This increase is thought to be primarily due to lifestyle changes, particularly ways of working and living associated with worsening indoor air quality and increased exposure to substances such as cigarette smoke or ozone (O 3).

If you’re looking for an asthma specialist In Odessa, TX, get in touch with John D. Bray MD.

Although we know there are many causes and triggers, the good news is that most asthma can be well-controlled with proper treatment. In this guide, you’ll learn about all of your options for managing your asthma symptoms and triggers.

1. What is asthma?

Asthma is a serious disease that affects the airways in your lungs that carry oxygen to your blood. When an asthma attack occurs, the muscles around the airways tighten and swell. The lining of the airways becomes inflamed and sensitive.

People with asthma are highly sensitive to certain stimuli, leading to the contraction of muscles in the walls of the airways. These episodes are known as asthma attacks. The severity of asthma can vary from person to person.

2. Asthma triggers and symptoms

Asthma is a complex disease that can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing fits. In the worst-case scenario, it can stop a person from breathing altogether. While most asthma triggers are known to doctors and patients, there are still a few that people don’t know about.

These asthma triggers are as follows:

1. Cold air
2. Exercise or physical activity
3. Irritants in the air such as cleaning chemicals, dust, and pollen
4. Changes in temperature or humidity
5. Strong emotions like stress, excitement, or anger
6. Alcohol and tobacco smoke

3. How do you control asthma?

Asthma causes recurring periods of wheezing and breathlessness, but it can be controlled to prevent symptoms from becoming severe.

Use the steps below to control your asthma and lead a normal life.

1. Identify your asthma triggers
2. Check the weather forecast daily
3. Avoid your trigger(s)
4. Take the prescribed medication
5. Be prepared for an attack by carrying your reliever inhaler with you at all times

4. What are the different treatment options for controlling asthma?

Asthma is not a single disease. It is a group of diseases characterized by various symptoms, causes, and treatments. Some asthma patients may only need to take preventive medications and make some lifestyle changes, while others require hospitalization.

For mild symptoms, asthma controller medications prescribed by an asthma treatment doctor are often enough to control the condition. However, for moderate-to-severe cases, additional treatment is required. In these instances, steroid medications may be used in conjunction with asthma controller medications.

Biologics may be an option for patients who have severe asthma or those who do not respond at all to the treatment methods described above. Biologics are disease-modifying agents that help to reduce inflammation and prevent airway constriction.

If you’re looking for a specialized treatment plan, it’s important to speak with an allergy specialist that can help diagnose and treat your specific symptoms. To find out more about asthma treatment doctors in Odessa, TX, or allergic rhinitis treatment In Odessa, TX, contact us today.