Asthma
+1 210 944 8855
Asthma
Wheezing? Coughing? These are common signs of asthma, a long-term condition. With expert care from Dominion Family Healthcare in San Antonio, you can alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms of asthma. To discover how they can assist you, call or schedule a consultation online today.
Asthma Q & A
What is asthma?
A chronic condition, asthma causes difficulty breathing, wheezing, and coughing. Asthma occurs when the airway that delivers oxygen to your lungs becomes narrow, inflamed, and congested with mucus. This condition can be managed effectively with proper treatment and ongoing care.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
Asthma symptoms can come and go. The most common signs of asthma are:
- Coughing
- Trouble breathing
- Tightness in your chest
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
You may experience asthma attacks that are mild, severe, or somewhere in between. A mild episode of asthma may last just a few minutes, while a more serious episode may persist hours or days.
What causes asthma?
Allergens and various substances can trigger asthma, including:
- Environmental irritants (smoke, pollution, etc.)
- Strong odors or perfumes
- Chemical fumes
- Extreme weather
- A respiratory condition or the flu
Asthma is also provoked by strong emotions that disrupt your breathing. Science shows rapid breathing can tighten bronchial tubes, possibly setting off or worsening an attack.
What is the process for diagnosing asthma?
An accurate diagnosis is the key to asthma control and breathless mornings becoming a thing of the past. Your doctor at Dominion Family Healthcare will work to identify the root of your asthma. They may ask about your family history of allergies and asthma, as well as your personal experience with potential asthma triggers. This might include:
- Sinus infection
- Reflux disease
- Stress
- Sleep apnea
You might need to take a breath test, which involves blowing into a hollow tube. The test helps your doctor gauge how well the airways in your lungs are working.
To help confirm your diagnosis, you may also need a chest X-ray, exercise test, or skin test to see if you have an allergic reaction to certain substances.
What is the treatment for asthma?
At Dominion Family Health, we understand that asthma can disrupt your daily life. That’s why our doctors take a personalized approach to asthma treatment. We’ll work together to create a treatment plan that manages your symptoms and keeps you breathing easy. This often includes a combination of quick-relief medication for sudden flare-ups and long-term control medication to prevent future attacks.
The goal of your treatment is to prevent uncomfortable symptoms to:
- Help you maintain healthy, well-functioning lungs
- Allow you to continue doing all the activities you enjoy
- Give you a restful night’s sleep
- Prevent asthma attacks that could result in an emergency room visit or hospital stay
Ready to finally breathe easy and manage your asthma? Schedule an appointment with the asthma specialists at Dominion Family Healthcare in San Antonio. Call today or book online for lasting relief and a healthier you!
How do I know if my asthma is well-controlled?
Well-controlled asthma means you experience minimal day-to-night symptoms, rely infrequently on your rescue inhaler (less than twice a week), sleep without coughing or wheezing, and participate in daily exercise or work without breathing limitations. If your asthma interferes with daily routines, your treatment plan needs an adjustment.
What is included in a custom Asthma Action Plan?
An Asthma Action Plan is a written guide personalized for your specific triggers and symptoms. It clearly outlines your daily maintenance medications, step-by-step instructions for managing sudden flare-ups, and clear indicators for when to seek emergency medical care.
What are common asthma triggers, and how can I avoid them?
Triggers vary by person but frequently include airborne allergens (pollen, dust, pet dander), cold air, exercise, viral infections, or strong odors. We help you identify your individual triggers and combine environmental adjustments with preventative controller medications.
What is the difference between a daily controller inhaler and a quick-relief rescue inhaler?
Daily controller inhalers reduce underlying inflammation and swelling in your airways over time to prevent symptoms before they start. Quick-relief (rescue) inhalers relax the muscles around your airways instantly during an active flare-up or sudden shortness of breath.
FAQs Dominion
Dominion Health
Frequently Asked Questions!
Professional Team Ready to Serve
Our dedicated medical professionals are committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality care tailored to your individual health needs