Asthma

What is asthma?

Asthma is a disease affecting the airways in the lungs, causing shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. The breathing problem happens because the airways in the lungs become inflamed and narrow, making it harder for air to flow in and out.

Asthma is a common condition that affects people of all ages. The severity of asthma symptoms varies and can worsen over time.

What kinds of asthma are there?

Dr. Tano classifies asthma into types based on the cause of the lung condition:

Adult-onset asthma

Adult-onset asthma is asthma that develops during adulthood instead of childhood.

Allergic asthma

Allergic asthma is triggered by an allergy. Allergic asthma is common in people with hay fever (allergic rhinitis), an environmental allergy.

Asthma-COPD overlap syndrome

Asthma-COPD overlap syndrome is when you have asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a general medical term that refers to a group of lung conditions that block airflow, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction is a form of asthma triggered by strenuous exercise.

Nonallergic asthma

Nonallergic asthma causes symptoms from conditions other than allergies, like illness, stress, or weather changes.

Occupational asthma

Occupational asthma occurs in people who work in environments where they inhale lung irritants over a prolonged period.

What causes asthma?

Researchers are still investigating what causes asthma but theorize it could develop from a combination of factors, including genetics, environment, and exposure to lung irritants.

There are known triggers for each type of asthma — allergens, stress, and lung irritants. Knowing what triggers your asthma can help you control it.

What can I expect during an asthma consultation?

You can expect a thorough evaluation when visiting Integrative Immunity Health System, PC, for an asthma consultation. Dr. Tano focuses on finding the root cause of your asthma so he can devise an effective management plan.

Dr. Tano reviews your symptoms, medical and family history, and the medications you take to manage your asthma. He also runs tests like blood work and allergy testing to better understand the cause of your asthma.

Once he completes your exam, Dr. Tano talks to you about your asthma and offers treatment choices that will work for you.

Call the nearest Integrative Immunity Health System, PC, office or schedule an appointment online today to get help for your asthma from an allergy and immunology specialist.