Learn About Your Asthma 

Asthma is not cured, but it can change over time, especially if you developed it as a child. When properly treated, patients may experience little to no symptoms. If left untreated, asthma can worsen with age, resulting in a patient’s lung function deterioration. To reduce symptoms and decrease the likelihood of an asthma attack, contact our SFENTA™ office in Pembroke Pines to discuss an effective treatment plan.

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Creating an Asthma Treatment Plan

Asthma symptoms can be disruptive and, in severe cases, debilitating, so creating a proper treatment plan and avoiding triggers that may aggravate your condition is crucial. When treating asthma, there are two main types of medications.
Talk to your SFENTA™ Pembroke Pines ear, nose, and throat specialist about managing your symptoms with the following:

Long-term control medications: These can control your symptoms and help prevent asthma attacks so that you can live a more comfortable life. It is essential to take them as prescribed, even if you are feeling better. 

Quick-relief medications: If you have an asthma attack, experience a sudden worsening in symptoms, or have trouble breathing, quick-relief medications will work fast to open up your airways and give you the relief you need. These medications should only be taken when necessary.

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    What is the Cause of Asthma?

    No one knows for sure what causes asthma, but it is suspected that a variety of factors, such as genetics, may play a role in its development. In some cases, the factors that may cause asthma can also trigger its symptoms in those who suffer from this condition.

    Here are some of the factors that could potentially cause asthma:

    • Environmental factors, such as smog and wood-burning fires
    • Exposure to fumes, wood dust, and other harmful elements in the workplace
    • Allergic conditions, such as eczema
    • Respiratory infections that occurred during infancy or childhood

    Factors That Trigger Asthma Symptoms

    Not every patient has the same triggers. You should identify and understand your triggers to help treat your asthma and manage your symptoms.

    Triggers that frequently impact asthma patients include: 

      • Cigarette smoke, odors, and dust particles
      • Pet dander, animal fur, and feathers
      • Exercising and other rigorous activities
      • Changes in the weather, high humidity, and wind
      Doctor checking on a patient

      Asthma Symptoms Patients May Experience

      • Feeling out of breath
      • Wheezing when coughing or breathing
      • Tightness or pain in the chest
      • Problems sleeping caused by shortness of breath

      Asthma FAQs

      Could I have avoided developing asthma?

      No one knows exactly what causes asthma, so there is nothing you could have done to avoid it. The only thing you can control now is your symptoms through proper treatment and care.

      Can asthma turn into emphysema?

      Emphysema is an entirely different disease that develops in smokers. Asthma can change over time, but it will not turn into emphysema or any other disease.

      Can an asthma attack cause respiratory failure?

      When not enough oxygen is able to pass from the lungs and into a patient’s bloodstream, the lungs can no longer effectively remove carbon dioxide from the blood. As a result, respiratory failure will occur. Severe asthma attacks can lead to respiratory failure, which is why it is crucial to have access to quick-relief medications. Our SFENTA™ office in Pembroke Pines can provide effective treatment options.

      With 37 convenient locations across the South Florida area, we’re never far away.

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