Asthma

Asthma is a common condition that is characterized by breathing challenges, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It can range from a minor ailment to a significant, life-threatening problem that interferes with daily living.

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Asthma is a condition that causes the airways to become inflamed. This leads to the airways becoming swollen, narrow, and producing mucus, making breathing difficult. Some patients may experience asthma in flare-ups, while others may have symptoms more regularly. The symptoms typically include difficulty breathing, chest pain, coughing, and wheezing.

woman using an inhaler to treat her sores

Treatment Options For Asthma

The primary goal of asthma treatment is to prevent attacks before they start. This involves recognizing and avoiding your triggers, tracking your breathing, and taking your asthma medications as prescribed. Depending on the severity of your condition, your SFENTA™ Miami ear, nose, and throat specialist may prescribe:

Long-term asthma control medications. These medications should be taken daily to control your condition and dramatically reduce your chances of experiencing a severe or life-threatening asthma attack. Quick-relief medications. You will need to have quick-relief medications on hand to treat symptoms during an asthma attack rapidly. Because your long-term asthma control medications should keep attacks at bay, you shouldn’t need to use these medications very often.

What Is Asthma?

Asthma causes the airways to narrow, swell and produce an excessive amount of mucus. These effects can make breathing difficult and may lead to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Although asthma cannot be cured, its symptoms can be effectively managed.

It’s not known exactly why some people suffer from asthma and others don’t. However, it’s likely due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Among people diagnosed with asthma, their symptoms are usually triggered by various irritants and substances. The most common triggers include:

Pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and smoke
Sulfites and preservatives added to food
Strenuous exercise and physical activity
GERD, a condition that causes stomach acids to flow into the throat
Certain medications, including aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxenStress and other strong emotions

Symptoms Of Asthma

The symptoms of asthma vary depending on the severity of your condition. Some patients experience symptoms all the time, while others notice they only emerge in certain instances, for example, when they are:

Exercising, particularly in cold and dry air
Working with irritants, chemical fumes, gases, or dust
Exposed to airborne allergens, such as pollen, mold, or pet dander

The most common signs of asthma include:

Shortness of breath
Tightness or pain in the chest area
Difficulty sleeping due to breathing challenges
Coughing and wheezing

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Expert Asthma Care With SFENTA

SFENTA has been helping patients across South Florida for over 30 years. We’ve made it our priority to provide our patients with:

Patient-Centered Care

At each appointment with one of our providers, you’ll be provided with proper one-on-one care, with treatments that are customized to your needs.

Continuity of Care

Our goal is to help you find long-term relief from the conditions that impact your quality of life, rather than just providing a quick “band-aid” solution.

Highly-trained physician network

When you book your appointment with SFENTA, you will gain access to our provider network of over 50 board-certified physicians who are trained in all ENT specialties and subspecialties.

Community Staple

At our 30 locations across South Florida, we aim to provide ENT care that is convenient and accessible to all patients.

Asthma FAQs

Who Is Affected by Asthma?

Asthma can affect adults and children of all ages and affects roughly 25 million Americans. Those with a family history of asthma are more likely to be affected by the condition.

Can asthma be cured?

While no treatment can cure asthma permanently, there are treatments available to help make symptoms more manageable.

Are children affected by asthma?

Yes. Children can have asthma. Children are more likely to be affected if one or both parents are also affected.