Asthma is a common lung disease that affects children and adults. More than 25 million people in the United States are known to have asthma, with about 7 million of those children. The disease is chronic (long-term) and causes narrowing of the airways.
Asthma symptoms, also called asthma flare-ups or asthma attacks, are often caused by allergies and exposure to allergens, such as pet dander, dust mites, pollen or mold. Nonallergic triggers include smoke, pollution or cold air or changes in weather.
Some of the common symptoms of asthma include constant cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and difficulty sleeping due to coughing/trouble breathing. Patterns in asthma symptoms can be different between each person. Some notice more severe symptoms at bedtime, while others notice more trouble while exercising.
Asthma can be diagnosed by performing a test called a spirometry. A spirometry measures the amount of air your lungs can hold and the speed of the air you inhale or exhale.
Although there is no cure for asthma, there are medicines that can help alleviate symptoms. One category of drugs, known as inhaled corticosteroids (controller inhaler), help decrease inflammation in your airways. Some common inhaled corticosteroids include Advair, Symbicort, Qvar, Flovent, Asmanex, Dulera and Pulmicort. Bronchodilators, also known as rescue inhalers, are used to quickly relax the airways when having a flare or to prevent a flare before exercise. Albuterol is the most common bronchodilator and may be referred to as ProAir, Proventil, or Ventolin (band names).
People with allergies also benefit greatly from allergy shots, which help strengthen your immune system so you build up a tolerance to your allergies and leads to much better control of your asthma.
It is very important that you see a properly trained asthma specialist. These doctors are board certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. In Hot Springs the only board certified allergy and asthma doctor is Brian D. Jackson, M.D.
To schedule an appointment at Jackson Allergy and Asthma Clinic, please call 501-623-1311.
Business on 06/01/2015