Asthma Specialist

Temecula Valley Primary Care Physicians

Primary Care Physicians located in Temecula, CA

An asthma attack is scary to watch as a parent or to experience for yourself. Understand asthma better with a visit to Temecula Valley Primary Care Physicians in Temecula, California. Learning about asthma triggers and treatment options can help alleviate asthma symptoms and improve your quality of life. Call or schedule a consultation online today at Temecula Valley Primary Care Physicians to gain peace of mind and find practical solutions.

951-221-0590

Asthma Q & A

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung condition in which the airways in your lungs are constantly inflamed. If something triggers an asthma attack, the airways become more swollen and the muscles around your lungs contract, causing chest tightness.

Without enough space in the airways, you have trouble taking a deep breath. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

What causes asthma?

The exact cause of asthma is unknown. For some people, asthma runs in families. For others, certain allergies are linked to asthma. Lung tissue can also be damaged by some respiratory infections and irritated by environmental factors like dust and chemicals.

What are the types of asthma?

Asthma is categorized in different ways depending on your age, triggers, and severity. These categories include:

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) or exercise-induced asthma (EIA)

EIB or EIA is the most common type of asthma. It is triggered during exercise.

Occupational asthma

This type of asthma is triggered by environmental components of your job, such as chemicals or pollutants.

Childhood asthma

This type of asthma affects children. Many grow out of it as they get older.

Nocturnal asthma

Nocturnal asthma is worse at night.

Steroid-resistant asthma (severe asthma)

If your asthma doesn’t respond to traditional steroids, your condition is more serious and requires greater care.

Allergic asthma

This type is asthma triggered by specific allergens, like peanuts or soy.

What process leads to an asthma diagnosis?

To diagnosis asthma, your doctor completes a thorough evaluation and examination. Your doctor will ask questions to understand your symptoms, triggers, and allergies. Your doctor also listens to your breathing and lung sounds for signs of asthma.

Breathing tests are the next step. Spirometry can determine how much air is in your lungs and the ability of your lungs to exchange oxygen with carbon dioxide. An exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) test determines how well your body utilizes steroid treatment.

Proper diagnosis and understanding of your asthma are crucial to finding the best treatment for you.

What treatment is available for asthma?

You work with your doctor to identify and avoid asthma triggers while finding the best medication to improve your breathing.

Different medications are available for prevention and symptom control. Your doctor develops a medication strategy based on your condition.

Asthma can be scary, but management can give you peace of mind. Call or schedule an appointment online today to visit Temecula Valley Primary Care Physicians.