Asthma Treatment in Hollywood, FL

Asthma, which occurs when the airways of a patient’s lungs are swollen, is a chronic medical condition for which there is no cure. Some may develop asthma as children, while others may develop it as adults. Moreover, asthma can also vary in severity and the frequency with which a patient may experience symptoms.

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An Overview of Asthma

Patients who suffer from asthma have airways that may become inflamed, making it difficult for them to breathe. Some patients may have very mild and infrequent symptoms while others may have a more severe form of this condition, potentially posing a life-threatening risk. That said, regardless of the severity of a patient’s condition, effective treatment can manage asthma symptoms and make daily life easier. Our SFENTA™ office in Hollywood, FL can provide the help you need to manage your asthma.

Asthma Treatment Options

Effectively treating your asthma will reduce your symptoms and help prevent dangerous asthma attacks and possibly reduce the deterioration of lung function as you age. Generally, there are two treatment options for asthma – quick relief and long-term control.

Talk to your SFENTA™ Hollywood, FL ear, nose, and throat specialist about your asthma treatment options:

Quick-relief medications: If you are experiencing trouble breathing or having an asthma attack, quick-relief medications will work fast to address these serious symptoms. Quick-relief medications are typically used for emergencies, though they may also be used before performing rigorous activities that can trigger symptoms.
Long-term control medications: To manage your asthma symptoms, long-term control medications can be used to reduce the swelling in your lungs. These medications should be taken daily, even if you are feeling fine.

What Causes Asthma?

It is unclear what causes asthma, but researchers believe some factors can increase the likelihood of a patient developing this condition.

Common contributing factors include:

Allergies
Environmental factors, such as exposure to pollution, cigarette smoke, and other toxins
Genetics or a history of asthma
Respiratory infections as a child

How Are Asthma Symptoms Triggered?

Many patients experience a flare-up in asthma symptoms when exposed to certain triggers. Understanding what triggers your asthma can also help manage your symptoms.

Although everyone’s specific triggers may vary, these are some of the most common triggers:

Exposure to mold
Exposure to air pollution, including wildfire smoke and car exhaust
Pests
Dust mites
Pet fur and dander
Exercising

Symptoms of Asthma

Pressure or pain in the chest
Coughing and wheezing, particularly in the evening
Shortness of breath
Irregular breathing pattern
Shortness of breath

Asthma FAQs

What happens during an asthma attack?

Asthma attacks can potentially be life-threatening. When an asthma attack occurs, a patient’s airways will narrow and shrink, making it difficult for air to get in and out of their lungs. Depending on what triggered the asthma attack, the duration can be anywhere from a few minutes to hours or even days. Generally, most attacks can be resolved with quick-relief medications, such as a rescue inhaler.

Is there anything I can do to improve my home environment?

If you have asthma, you know there are many triggers you should avoid to reduce the risk of suffering an asthma attack. Part of that includes creating a home environment that is free of any elements that may aggravate your condition. If possible, you should opt for wood or linoleum flooring instead of carpeting. You should also avoid keeping overly fragrant flowers indoors and ask guests never to smoke inside. Since pets, such as birds and animals with fur, can be major triggers, you may want to rethink bringing one into your home.

Why do my asthma symptoms worsen with stress?

If you are worried or experiencing an increase in stress, you might also notice a flare-up in your asthma symptoms. The emotions themselves are not the cause of your symptoms, but rather the changes in your breathing, which can sometimes trigger an asthma attack. Our office in SFENTA™ Hollywood, FL can help come up with a treatment plan to manage your symptoms.