Asthma Management

What is asthma?

Asthma is a medical condition in which your respiratory system and airways are subject to chronic inflammation. Your airways narrow as a result, leading to breathing difficulties. Symptoms of asthma include: 

• Wheezing
• Sneezing
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Chest pain and tightness
• Fatigue

With proper management, you can minimize the symptoms and live a normal quality of life.

What is an asthma flare-up or attack?

An asthma attack refers to the rapid onset or worsening of asthma symptoms. Mucus accumulates, your airways narrow significantly, and breathing is labored.

If not properly treated, an asthma attack can be dangerous. The providers at Grace Family Medicine Direct Primary Care of Wellington offer acute treatment, including house calls, if you have an attack, and also provide you with prescription inhalers and medication to minimize these attacks.

What triggers asthma?

Understanding your asthma triggers help you avoid uncomfortable symptoms. Your provider helps you identify your particular triggers, which often include:

• Tobacco smoke
• Irritants and strong odors from cleaning solutions and perfumes
• Allergens, such as mold spores, pollen, pet dander, and dust mites
• Infections, such as colds or sinusitis
• Air pollution 
• Certain medications 

Exercise-induced asthma is a specific type of asthma that physical activity causes.

How is asthma managed?

In addition to helping you identify your asthma triggers, treatment centers around preventing an asthma attack, and reducing your exposure to allergens. Grace Family Medicine Direct Primary Care of Wellington works to improve your general health and strengthen your immune system, so you’re less likely to have an attack in the future.

Allergy medications decrease the chance of a flare-up. Appropriate exercise, stress reduction, nutrition, and other lifestyle modifications are part of management. The team also helps you manage any allergies that trigger your symptoms.

If you have developed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as a result of asthma or other respiratory complications, the team at Grace Family Medicine Direct Primary Care of Wellington can offer further interventions to make breathing easier and relieve airway inflammation.

For effective asthma management, call Grace Family Medicine Direct Primary Care of Wellington or schedule an online appointment.