| Asthma
Asthma is a chronic, complex disease that makes breathing difficult. It affects more than 25 million Americans, out of which 7-8 million are children. There are nearly 2 million emergency-room visits each year for acute asthma flare. With good medical management, both children and adults can lead a normal life, even with asthma.
Watch for these symptoms
Asthma occurs when the airways become inflamed and swollen and then tighten. They also get filled with thick mucus. These changes result in difficulty in the movement of air to the lungs. Symptoms can occur daily or intermittently and include:
-
Coughing, especially at night
-
Wheezing
-
Shortness of breath
-
Chest tightness or pressure
The symptoms can be brought on by certain exposures (irritants, allergens, exercise), or they can be persistent.
Asthma attacks can be severe and frightening
Worsening of asthma may cause:
-
Rapid breathing
-
Chest pain
-
Difficulty talking
-
Feelings of anxiety or panic
-
Chronic cough, especially with laughing or exercise
What causes asthma?
It is known that allergies (e.g. airborne pollens and dust mites) are the main contributors of asthma in many children and adults. But there are many people who have asthma and no allergies at all. Although all the fundamental causes of asthma are not known, both environmental and genetic factors play a role in the inflammation of the airways typical of asthma.


What causes asthma?
It is known that allergies (e.g. airborne pollens and dust mites) are the main contributors of asthma in many children and adults. But there are many people who have asthma and no allergies at all. Although all the fundamental causes of asthma are not known, both environmental and genetic factors play a role in the inflammation of the airways typical of asthma.
Board-certified allergist can help form an accurate diagnosis and identify “triggers”
During an office visit, a detailed medical history and physical examination will be followed by tests, as necessary. There are many different kinds of asthma as well as degrees of severity. Infact, asthma can begin at any time during one’s lifetime. Our board-certified allergists at The Allergy Group treat all forms of asthma in both adults and children. The tests for asthma include:
-
Spirometry: These lung function tests will measure your lung function
-
Methacholine challenge: done only if the diagnosis cannot be established with spirometry
-
NIOX (nitric oxide test). This new, noninvasive test measures the amount of nitric oxide exhaled and helps determine the degree of inflammation in your lungs