Asthma is a chronic lung disease that makes it difficult for air to pass through your lungs properly. It can start at any age and nearly 26 million Americans have asthma, 7 million of them being children. Unfortunately, there is no cure for asthma. However, with proper management, people living with asthma can live completely normal and healthy lives.
At Centerville Medical Center in Dallas, TX, our physicians look for the symptoms and indications of asthma and can provide guidance on how to manage this disease. Our team prioritizes patient care, therefore, we will support you throughout the treatment process.
The Causes of Asthma
The swollen airways in the lungs become sensitive to certain triggers, and when those triggers enter the body, those airways create extra mucus making it difficult to breathe which leads to asthma attacks, complications, and sometimes death. The key is to understand the triggers that cause asthma. Sometimes, you may not even know you have it until you’re exposed to those triggers. This means the environment you live in is a huge cause and risk factor of asthma. Additionally, genetics is a risk factor for asthma.
Symptoms of Asthma
You may be wondering if your child has asthma, but unsure if it’s something else. If any of these symptoms occur chronically or only around certain triggers, they may have asthma:
- Tight feeling in the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Wheezing
However, it’s very possible a variety of other conditions are causing these symptoms, such as different allergies. Consult with your pediatrician about whether or not your child has asthma.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Asthma at Centerville Medical Center
Your physician will need to conduct tests to conclude a diagnosis. First, they will ask symptoms, medical history, experiences, etc. to get a good sense if asthma is a possibility. After that, the most common test is called a Spirometry, in which the physician will use a device to measure the airflow of the lungs.
Typically, if you have the above symptoms, have a parent with asthma, and also have allergies (including skin allergies), your physician will conduct a lung functioning test. After that, usually, a trial period of asthma medication will be given, depending on the results, with a follow-up appointment to monitor the outcome.
Are You or a Loved One Suffering From Asthma?
Our medical professionals are skilled at diagnosing and treating asthma. No matter the cause, our experts are here to support you through the examination and treatment process. Contact us today to learn more. Our team is standing by and ready to assist you with your medical needs.
