Asthma

If you have asthma, treatments can give you the relief you need and deserve to thrive. At Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates, the team provides careful asthma management to ease your constant breathing problems. To learn more about their personalized care, reach out to one of their six locations nearest you in Boulder, Lakewood, Westminster, Denver, Littleton, or Arvada, Colorado. Call or use the convenient online scheduler today.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to recurring episodes of breathing difficulties. It’s a complex condition influenced by genetic and environmental factors. 

When you have asthma, your bronchial tubes experience a spasm of the muscles surrounding them, inflammation, or increased mucus.

The exact cause of asthma isn’t fully understood, but it’s thought to involve a combination of genetic predisposition and exposure to specific triggers.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Asthma symptoms can vary in frequency and intensity from person to person. Common symptoms include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest tightness
• Respiratory infections
• Increased mucus production

If you have asthma symptoms, make an appointment with your asthma specialist at Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates as soon as possible.

What causes asthma?

Asthma may be triggered by: 

• Allergens (i.e., pollen, dust mites, pet dander)
• Irritants (i.e., smoke, strong odors)
• Exercise
• Changes in weather
• Respiratory infections

Issues like heartburn and stress can also cause asthma.

How is asthma diagnosed and treated?

The Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates Asthma team diagnoses your condition through a combination of your medical history, physical examination, and lung function tests. They learn about your symptoms, triggers, and family history of asthma or allergies. 

Lung function tests, such as spirometry, measure how well your lungs function and can help assess the severity of your asthma. They may conduct allergy testing to identify specific allergens that trigger your asthma symptoms.

While there is no cure for asthma, treatment aims to control symptoms, prevent exacerbations, and improve your quality of life. It typically involves a combination of medication and lifestyle modifications. 

Medications commonly used in asthma treatment include:

Short-acting bronchodilators

These provide quick relief during asthma attacks by relaxing the muscles around the airways.

Inhaled corticosteroids

These anti-inflammatory medications are taken regularly to reduce airway inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms.

Long-acting bronchodilators

These are used in combination with inhaled corticosteroids to provide long-term control of asthma symptoms.

Leukotriene modifiers

These medications help control inflammation and reduce symptoms.

Immunomodulators

Certain injectable medications can be prescribed for individuals with severe asthma to modify the immune response.

If you have signs of asthma, book an appointment with the Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates team today by phone or online.