Treatment for Asthma
Managing Your Symptoms
Asthma is a lifelong condition, but one that is very manageable with the right care. If you believe you or your loved one has asthma, you should take them to a doctor for an official diagnosis right away. Failing to diagnose asthma could result in serious health conditions and the earlier you start developing habits to keep the condition in check, the easier it will be to live without complications.
You or a loved one may have asthma if you experience:
- Frequent coughing that has gone on longer than three weeks
- Shortness of breath without much effort
- Wheezing after exercising
- Tight, painful feeling in chest
- Difficulty sleeping
- Sneezing, swollen glands, and other cold-like symptoms
At our facilities, we can diagnose asthma and help you learn the basics of asthma management, including instructions on how to use inhalers and learning the warning signs of an asthma attack.
What to do during an asthma attack
During an asthma attack, the muscles around the lungs and airways tighten, stimulating mucus production. When mucus builds up, it can block your airway and make it difficult to breathe. Asthma attacks can become serious if not treated quickly. An inhaler or bronchodilator should provide relief and reduce the symptoms. In most cases, this should be enough to avoid a trip to a doctor.
Seek medical care immediately if any of the following occurs during or after an asthma attack:
- Your inhaler doesn’t seem to be working
- Your lips have turned a blueish color
- You are experiencing attacks more often than you used to
- You have coughed up blood or dark-colored mucus
- You have a fever
If an asthma attack feels worse than usual it is possible that your regular treatment has become ineffective. Each patient is different and requires a unique treatment plan. Our asthma specialists can help you develop an asthma care plan that fits your needs and lifestyle.