Asthma Q & A

What is asthma?

Asthma is a condition that affects your breathing. It typically develops in childhood and can sometimes cause life-threatening situations. Asthma is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), like emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

The cause of asthma is irritation and inflammation in your lungs that makes your air passages narrower. The result is less room for air to pass into your lungs, making it so you aren’t getting enough oxygen when you breathe.

The irritation and inflammation are set off by an overreaction in your airways. This is called hyperreactivity, meaning your airways are extremely sensitive. Hyperreactivity causes your airways to spasm, so you experience:

• Wheezing
• Chest constriction
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing

If you’re having difficulties breathing it can make you feel panicky, which unfortunately makes the problem worse.

People living with asthma usually have one or more triggers that bring on an attack.

What triggers an asthma attack?

Common triggers for asthma attacks include:

• Pets and pet dander
• Mold spores
• Dust and dust mites
• Smoke
• Pollution
• Strong smells

It’s not just what you breathe into your lungs that can cause airway constriction. It’s common for asthma attacks to strike if you’re stressed or feeling anxious or fearful.

The Sunstate Medical Associates team can diagnose asthma by assessing your breathing using spirometry tests. These tests measure how well you breathe in and out and how fast you breathe.

How is asthma treated?

If you have asthma, your provider at Sunstate Medical Associates will prescribe inhalers. You should carry your inhaler at all times and have spares in case of an emergency.

If you feel your airways starting to tighten, you put the inhaler’s mouthpiece in your mouth, trigger the inhaler, and breathe in the mist that comes out. The mist helps moisten your airways and includes medications to reduce inflammation.

Using your inhaler helps ease the constriction in your airways and enables you to breathe more easily. As well as having your inhaler to help you manage asthma attacks, you should also try to avoid your triggers wherever possible.

Staying away from the substances that cause airway inflammation can help minimize hyperreactivity.

If you’re struggling with your asthma, call Sunstate Medical Associates today or book an appointment online.