If you are frequently experiencing difficulty breathing, you could be suffering from asthma. Asthma flare-ups can happen while you are active or in response to exposure to an allergen. Whatever is causing your asthma, your allergy specialist can help you get control of your asthma, so you can breathe better and enjoy being more active.

What You Need To Know about Asthma

The most common cause of asthma is exposure to an allergic substance, known as an allergen. The airways constrict and become narrow, making breathing difficult. Other causes of asthma include:

• Exercise and physical activity
• Respiratory infections
• Smoke, perfume, smog, and other air irritants

You may have asthma if you are experiencing signs and symptoms like these:

• Frequent episodes of wheezing and coughing
• Difficulty breathing when you are engaged in an activity or sport
• Experiencing chronic episodes of bronchitis

An allergy specialist can diagnose asthma using spirometry and other methods to determine lung function. Treatment of asthma often begins with allergy testing, to find out what you are allergic to. You can avoid the substance once you know what is triggering your allergies. Your allergist may also recommend these treatments to control allergy symptoms and prevent an allergy attack:

• Allergy shots
• Sublingual immunotherapy
• Prescription antihistamine and decongestant medications

Your allergist may recommend these treatments to treat and manage asthma:

• Short-term rescue inhalers to relieve an asthma attack
• Long-term asthma medications to manage asthma symptoms

Remember that you can do a lot to prevent an asthma attack by staying away from substances you are allergic to. In addition, you should:

• Vacuum and dust frequently or consider switching to hard flooring
• Wear a face mask when you vacuum and dust
• Use hypoallergenic pillowcases and sheets
• Wash pillowcases and sheets often
• Install a HEPA filter in your bedroom
• Keep pets off of furniture and out of your bedroom

An asthma attack can be life-threatening, so you need to call 911 if you are:

• Unable to speak due to breathing difficulties
• Turning pale due to inadequate oxygen
• Experiencing labored breathing

Want To Know More About the Symptoms and Causes of Asthma?

Call an allergy specialist today to learn more about the causes, signs, symptoms, treatment, and management of asthma.