About Asthma: Tips from an Allergy Specialist

Asthma affects nearly 28 million people in the U.S. If you’re one of them, you’re aware of the importance of knowing your triggers and managing your symptoms so you can avoid flare-ups and breathe easy.

Understanding Asthma

Asthma causes episodes of decreased airflow in the lungs from inflammation or constriction of the air passages. It’s not constant but when triggered can incite mild to severe symptoms including:

• Coughing, especially at night, with exercise or when laughing
• Trouble breathing
• Tightness in the chest
• Wheezing

The condition can be genetic, but most people have “allergic asthma” caused by indoor allergens such as house dust mites, pet dander, mold and pollen. Other triggers include tobacco smoke, air pollution, perfumes, changes in weather and increased physical activity. Obesity, sleep apnea, sinus disease, acid reflux and viral infections can compound the condition as well.

Do I Have Asthma?

To determine if you have asthma, a visit to an allergy specialist is essential. “Allergy testing is a great way to know if your asthma is being triggered by outside allergens,” says Afreen Quraishi, PA-C, an allergy specialist at Schweiger Dermatology & Allergy. “If you control your allergies, you have better control of your asthma.” Environmental allergies and pulmonary function testing are typically used to accurately recognize triggers, diagnose and treat asthma, she explains. An essential element of the appointment is a breathing test called a spirometry, which is taken on a computer to see how the large and small airways of the lungs are performing.

Treating Asthma

Asthma treatment will vary depending on the severity of your condition. In all cases, avoiding triggers is a must. Medication may also be necessary: Quick relief options are used to minimize symptoms while controller devices are prescribed for long-term asthma control and to treat the underlying inflammation of the lungs. The good news is studies show that people with asthma who see an allergy provider have better controlled symptoms resulting in fewer visits to the doctor and emergency room and an overall reduction in total costs.

Managing Your Asthma

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with asthma for years, Quraishi shares these tips to help manage your symptoms effectively:

• Start Counting
  Keep track of how many times a day or week you need to use your rescue inhaler, she says. “The number of times you use your Albuterol inhaler or nebulizer is an important indicator of whether changes need to be made in your medication regimen.” If the number is increasing, see your allergy provider to reassess your treatment plan.
• Stay the Course
  Use your daily inhaler as prescribed! Missed doses often lead to asthma exacerbations. “Always remember, it’s easier to manage your asthma at baseline than it is to manage an exacerbation,” she says. “Even if you have mild asthma, it’s recommended to have an Albuterol HFA inhaler on hand in case of an exacerbation,” Quraishi adds.
• Get Support
  “If left untreated, asthma can lead to chronic inflammation in your airways, resulting in decreased lung function,” she says. Seeing an allergy specialist who can determine the most effective way to manage your symptoms and decide if controller medicine is necessary can improve your quality of life.

Asthma Care at Schweiger Dermatology & Allergy

Afreen Quraishi, PA-C is a certified physician assistant at Schweiger Dermatology Group. She specializes in allergy, asthma and immunologic care. With more than six years of diverse experience as a physician assistant, she continues to have a strong passion and focus for treating patients’ allergy, asthma and immunology concerns.