Asthma Specialist

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes inflammation and swelling of your airway passages, making breathing very difficult. Asthma is common and for some people is only a minor nuisance, while for others it can be life-threatening.

Currently, there’s no cure for asthma, but treatment from the specialists at Rheumatology and Allergy Institute of Connecticut, LLC can help you manage the symptoms.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Asthma signs and symptoms vary both in type and severity, and may worsen with time. Common symptoms include:

• Wheezing when exhaling
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Tightness in your chest

You may also notice that your asthma symptoms worsen when you have a respiratory infection, such as a cold or flu.

What triggers asthma?

You may notice that your asthma symptoms only develop in certain situations. Common asthma triggers include:

• Exercise
• Allergies
• Occupational exposure

There’s a strong connection between allergies and asthma. People with allergies are at greater risk of developing asthma, and those with asthma are more likely to also suffer from allergies.

How is asthma diagnosed?

Your specialist at Rheumatology and Allergy Institute of Connecticut, LLC, conducts a comprehensive examination when you come to the office with concerns about asthma or allergies. During your evaluation, your specialist reviews your symptoms, completes a physical exam, and conducts pulmonary function testing (PFT) to assess how air moves in and out of your lungs.

They also conduct skin allergy testing to identify the allergen that may be causing your asthma attacks. During the skin allergy test, your skin is pricked with various allergens and observed for a reaction. If you develop a red, itchy bump at the site of the prick, your allergen has likely been identified.

What are the treatments for asthma?

Your specialist at Rheumatology and Allergy Institute of Connecticut, LLC creates a personalized treatment to help you manage your asthma based on the severity of your lung disease. Treatment is aimed at preventing an asthma attack, as well as managing symptoms when an attack occurs.

Your treatment may include:

• Long-term asthma control medications
• Short-term (rescue) asthma medications
• Allergy medications

Your specialist may also recommend allergen desensitization, or allergy shots, to reduce your body’s reaction to your allergen and help prevent an asthma attack.

Asthma and allergies go hand in hand. For the management of both, call Rheumatology and Allergy Institute of Connecticut, LLC or schedule an appointment online today.