“Asthma” Isn’t Such a Scary Thing

As the saying goes, "April showers bring May flowers," and May is National Allergy & Asthma Awareness Month! As we mentioned in our last post, those with asthma may have more signs and symptoms around this time of year if they also have seasonal allergic rhinitis.

“Asthma” — does that word scare you? It shouldn’t. One of the most common respiratory conditions affecting people of all ages is asthma, and new diagnostic tests allow for early identification and treatment.  If a doctor diagnoses you with asthma, it does not mean you will become a respiratory cripple, unable to catch your breath or exercise again. Contrary to the common belief that asthma dictates your lifestyle, asthma is usually very controllable with proper and early treatment. In fact, many Olympic and professional athletes who have asthma continue to win gold medals and championships with well-controlled asthma.  The importance of identifying this reversible condition, which affects about 10% of the U.S. population, lies in the prevention of more persistent symptoms through early treatment.  

Common signs of asthma include:

•   frequent dry cough at night or in the early morning

•   cough with exercise

•   cough with laughter or talking

•   cough when eating cold foods or drinking cold liquids

•   chest tightness

•   feeling like you cannot take a full breath

•   pressure on the chest,  often described “like an elephant sitting on your chest”

•   wheezing (a squeaky or musical noise emitted from the chest when exhaling)

It is important to first identify the specific triggers that cause asthma symptoms.  Whether it is a respiratory infection, an allergy or exercise that is causing the symptoms, treatment can be adjusted to suit your specific needs. Three out of four children with asthma are likely to have allergies as a trigger. Controlling your environment and limiting your exposure to allergic triggers helps to reduce daily symptoms and need for multiple medications.  

Today, the diagnosis of asthma is not a sentence to lifelong debilitating lung disease. On the contrary, early diagnosis allows for prevention of bronchial inflammation that could otherwise worsen over time. So don’t be afraid to find out if you or your child has asthma. Come in for an evaluation, and we will partner with you to track down the cause and create an individualized treatment plan that works for you. Please call our office at (310) 371-1388 or click here to request an appointment today!

For more information on Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month, visit the CDC or Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ! You can also visit our webpage South Bay Allergy and Asthma.