Asthma

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition characterized by inflamed airways. It can be allergic or non-allergic.

Specific types of allergic asthma include:

• Cold-induced asthma
• Exercise-induced asthma
• Occupational asthma
• Thunderclap asthma

Thunderclap asthma is asthma triggered by thunderstorms. Thunderstorms, accompanied by rain, shifting winds, humidity changes, and temperature changes, can release a chaotic mixture of pollen particles and other allergens like fungal spores.

Examples of non-allergic asthma include:

• Asthma-COPD overlap syndrome
• Eosinophilic asthma

Eosinophilic asthma, which typically develops between the ages of 35 and 50, results from elevated levels of eosinophil, a type of blood cell, in the lung tissue, blood, and mucus.

What are common asthma symptoms?

Common asthma symptoms include:

• Chronic coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or tightness
• Trouble sleeping due to wheezing and coughing

Patients with eosinophilic asthma also display symptoms including:

• Chronic sinus disease
• Nasal polyposis
• An inflamed nasal mucus membrane

Children with pediatric asthma may only display the symptom of coughing.

What is the test for asthma?

To test for asthma, your Midwest Allergy Sinus Asthma provider performs a number of breathing tests on you or your child. These include:

Spirometry

During this test, you take a deep breath and then blow forcefully into a sensor. This sensor measures the amount of air your lungs can hold, as well as the speed at which you can inhale and exhale said air.

The results of this test determine if you have asthma and its severity. If you already know you have asthma, it can inform how well your current treatment is working.

Exhaled nitric oxide test (FeNO test)

This test determines how inflamed your lungs are, and if you’re receiving steroid treatment, how well the steroids are working to suppress inflammation.

This test works best for detecting and monitoring allergic asthma and eosinophilic asthma.

What is an asthma action plan?

If you have asthma, the first thing you need to do is develop an asthma action plan. An asthma action plan is a personalized, detailed plan that you write with your allergist. It outlines what steps you take to control and manage an asthma attack.

This action plan typically includes how to check your breathing with a peak flow meter, which medications you should take, and when you should seek emergency care.

Medications you may take to treat your asthma include:

• Inhalers
• Nebulizers
• Oral corticosteroids
• Biological medication

In addition to medication use, you can manage your asthma by avoiding asthma triggers, staying healthy, and not smoking.
Take back control of your life from asthma, with the help of Midwest Allergy Sinus Asthma. To schedule your appointment, call or use the online booking tool today.