Asthma is a chronic lung disease in which the lining of the airways become inflamed and swollen and muscle spasms restrict the flow of air to the lungs. It is a relatively common condition and the incidence of the disease has grown in recent years. Currently, it is estimated that 12 million Americans – including more than four million children – have asthma.
If you experience difficulty breathing, a tight feeling in the chest, coughing, and wheezing, you may suffer from asthma. Sometimes a chronic cough is the only symptom, and many of these cases go undiagnosed. The symptoms of asthma are most frequently noted at night and in the morning, but an asthma episode can happen at any time. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening attacks which require immediate emergency treatment.
Although the exact cause of asthma is still being studied, it is known to be a combination of inflammation of the lung combined with the narrowing of the lung passages activated by the body’s immune system. There are a number of factors that are known to trigger an asthma episode including:
-Substances that cause an allergic reaction in some individuals include pollen, dust mold, feathers, animal dander, & some foods.
-Simple colds can cause severe asthma exacerbation.
-Most people with asthma can benefit from an exercise program with pre-treatment & proper monitoring.
With proper diagnosis and treatment by an asthma specialist, most people with asthma can pursue normal lifestyles and expect to:
This information has been provided by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Effectively controlling asthma and allergies requires planning, skill and patience. Tests can be done to identify allergens which cause allergies. The allergist, with his or her specialized training and expertise in managing asthma and allergies, can develop a treatment plan for your individual condition. The goal will be to enable you to lead a life that is as normal and symptom-free as possible.
A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma and allergies is an allergist. All of the allergists in our office are Board Certified allergy specialists of the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology who have passed a qualifying examination and are specially trained to identify the factors that trigger asthma or allergies, and help the patient to prevent or treat them.
Allergy sufferers may become so accustomed to chronic symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion or wheezing that they do not consider their condition to be unusual. Yet, with the help of an allergist, these symptoms can usually be prevented or controlled and the patient’s quality of life greatly improved.
Proper control and treatment of your asthma and allergies, including regular visits with your doctor to evaluate and monitor your symptoms and medication, will help promote a healthy pregnancy and baby.
Your asthma may become worse during your pregnancy, especially if your condition is considered severe. The hormonal changes that occur during your pregnancy may affect your nose, sinuses and lungs, causing congestion and shortness of breath. Your doctor will help you determine if these symptoms are actually caused by allergies. A safe and effective treatment plan will be prescribed.
Today there are many excellent medications for treating asthma and allergies which have been found to be safe. Although no medication can be proven entirely safe for use during pregnancy, you and your doctor will work together to develop a treatment plan that carefully provides control of allergy symptoms with safe and effective medications for you and your baby. Medications that are safe during pregnancy are also safe during nursing.
If you currently are receiving allergy shots for the treatment of your asthma and/or allergies, they can be safely continued during pregnancy. It is not recommended, however, that allergy shots are initiated during pregnancy. If allergy shots are needed, wait until your baby has been delivered.