Asthma

Struggling to get a full breath of air can be scary, but you don’t have to live with bothersome symptoms due to asthma. At Golden Health in Modesto, California, experienced internal medicine physician David Chen, MD, offers help to help you breathe deeply. Schedule an asthma evaluation by phone today.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a lung condition that affects your breathing due to narrowed, swollen airways. For many patients, seasonal allergies or other allergies often accompany asthma. While mild cases of asthma might not seem problematic, they can still prevent you from getting full breaths of air, particularly during exercise. Extreme cases of asthma can be dangerous, even life-threatening.

Which symptoms can asthma cause?

Asthma can cause the following symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest tightness
• Chest pain
• Coughing
• Difficulty sleeping

You might have asthma symptoms only in certain situations, such as during allergy season, when the air is cold or dry, when you’re ill, when breathing in fumes, or while exercising.

What are the risk factors for asthma?

Anyone can have asthma, as genetic and environmental factors appear to both play roles in its development. Asthma risk factors include:

• Being overweight
• Having allergies
• Family history of asthma
• Smoking
• Exposure to secondhand smoke
• Breathing in chemicals, exhaust fumes, or other pollution

Adopting healthy habits may diminish your risk of asthma. Do what you can to breathe in clean air and maintain an ideal weight.

How does a specialist diagnose asthma?

To diagnose asthma, Dr. Chen reviews your symptoms, discusses your medical history, completes a physical examination, listens to your breathing, and completes lung-function tests to assess how well you’re able to breathe deeply. You might also need imaging procedures or other diagnostic tests.

During lung function testing, you breathe in or out of a specialized device, often before and after using an inhaler. 

How is asthma treated?

Treating asthma typically involves maintaining health habits and using an inhaler as needed, especially during exercise. You might also get treated for allergies, which can include taking medications, receiving allergy shots, or undergoing other treatments that lessen nasal congestion, sneezing, watery eyes, and other allergy-related symptoms.

It’s also important to get regular exercise, maintain an ideal weight, and keep your home clean. Use an air conditioner to reduce airborne allergens and minimize indoor humidity. If you use an inhaler, carry it with you at all times in case of an asthma attack.

Follow up with Dr. Chen periodically as needed to ensure your asthma treatment is effective. He can help you manage additional chronic diseases you might have. 

Schedule an asthma evaluation at Golden Health by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.