What is Asthma?
Asthma is a condition that causes the airways to narrow, swell, and produce excess mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Asthma can range from minor to severe, and can interfere with daily activities.
Common symptoms of asthma may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness or pain
- Wheezing
- Coughing attacks
For some individuals, asthma symptoms can worsen in certain situations. Asthma is categorized based on the cause. These include:
Exercise-induced asthma occurs during physical activity and can often worsen with the air is dry and cold.
Occupational asthma is often triggered in a workplace in which irritants such as gas, dust, or chemical fumes are present.
Allergy-induced asthma is triggered by pollen, spores, mold, or pet dander.
These triggers can sometimes lead to an asthma attack, which is a sudden worsening of asthma symptoms. If you or a loved one experiences an asthma attack, seek medical help as soon as possible, as it could be serious.
Treatment for Asthma
There is no cure for asthma, but there are ways to control symptoms. Asthma medications can help to manage your symptoms, with most asthma patients able to live a normal and active life. The right medications for you are dependent on your age, symptoms, and asthma triggers. There are long-term asthma control medications that are taken daily, as well as quick-relief medications that are used as needed for short-term symptom relief and asthma attacks. Allergy medications can also help if your asthma is triggered by allergies. The treatment option that is right for you will be determined during an examination.
In the Springfield Township area, Springfield Urgent Care aims to provide our patients with timely care. Contact us today to learn more about the services we offer.
