Asthma is a chronic condition caused by inflammation and narrowing of your airways. It’s also a condition you must learn to live with. If you or someone you know has asthma, you need the expertise of an allergist. So, why visit an allergist for asthma? It’s because an asthma attack is often precipitated by exposure to an allergic substance, known as an allergen. An allergist can help you manage both allergies and asthma, so you can breathe easier.

What You Need To Know About Asthma

Asthma is diagnosed using lung function testing to determine the severity of your asthma. In addition to asthma testing, your allergist may also recommend allergy testing, to find out what you are allergic to, so you can avoid the substance if possible. After a diagnosis of asthma, and after determining what allergens can trigger your asthma, your allergist may prescribe:

• Rescue inhalers for acute allergy symptoms
• Long-term asthma medications to manage asthma
• Allergy injections to manage allergies
• Sublingual immunotherapy to manage allergies

To manage asthma, environmental modifications are critical to avoid triggering an asthma attack. The environment begins with your home. Common allergy and asthma triggers in the home include mold, mildew, dust, dust mites, and pet dander. To reduce asthma triggers in your home, you should:

• Install a HEPA filter in your home, especially your bedroom
• Vacuum frequently, or consider switching to hardwood floors
• Dust furniture and other surfaces frequently
• Keep pets off furniture and out of your bedroom
• Use hypoallergenic bed linens and pillows

Many people experience increased asthma attacks in the spring and summer, often due to exposure to plant and flower pollens, grasses, and weeds. If you notice breathing difficulties during the spring and summer months, keeping doors and windows closed during these months may help. Your allergist can also prescribe medications like antihistamines to reduce symptoms.

Want To Know More About Living With Asthma?

To discover more about how to manage asthma so you can breathe easier, call your allergist today.