At Northeast Allergy, we understand that living with asthma can be inconvenient, uncomfortable, and potentially life-threatening. Asthma is a chronic disease affecting the airways in the lungs, which are responsible for allowing air in and out as we breathe. In people with asthma, these areas are always inflamed. When triggered, the airways become even more swollen, tightening the surrounding muscles and making breathing difficult. When this occurs, it is called an asthma attack. Most cases of asthma are diagnosed in childhood, although adults may acquire asthma through occupational hazards.
How can you tell if you have asthma?
Early signs of asthma may be difficult to spot, especially in children under the age of 5. At Northeast Allergy, our specialists can administer various tests to check lung health and determine if you or your child have asthma.
The following can help diagnose asthma:
- Health history
- Physical exam
- Breathing tests
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of asthma are wheezing or difficulty breathing. Other asthma symptoms include:
- Coughing
- Tightness in the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty talking
- Anxiousness or panicked feeling
Causes
A person has a higher chance of developing asthma if someone in their family, particularly a sibling or parent, also has asthma. Asthma attacks may be induced by:
- Allergens, such as pet dander, food, mold, pollen or dust
- Irritants in the air, such as smoke, pollution or perfumes
- Occupational irritants, such as gasses, industrial chemicals or dyes
- Exercise
Why choose Northeast Allergy for asthma care?
Our team understands that asthma can affect your quality of life and in some cases, lead to serious complications. At Northeast Allergy, we can provide a treatment plan based on the type of asthma you have, your age, and triggers, to help you find relief.
Northeast Allergy also provides full-service solutions for children, eliminating the need to consult separate physicians. Our team can help find the cause of your child’s symptoms and develop an effective treatment plan.
